A “much-loved” teenager who died in a tragic car crash on a rural north-east road was “kind-hearted” and touched the hearts of many.
Fourteen-year-old Kirsten Duguid was killed when the silver Audi A3 she was a passenger in left the road and went into a ditch on Friday evening.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident on an unclassified route near the Mains of Arnage, near Ellon.
Kirsten, who was a pupil at Meldrum Academy, was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by ambulance, but died from her injuries.
A 43-year-old man, believed to be Kirsten’s father, was driving the car while a 12-year-old girl, said to be her sister, was also in the vehicle.
They were also taken to hospital with minor injuries but have since been discharged.
The car ended up upside down in the burn after leaving the road and skidding down a bank.
Police officers at the scene helped remove the youngsters from the vehicle.
The Ellon Hockey Club, of which Kirsten was a member, cancelled a trip to an under-14s indoor hockey festival at Cults Academy yesterday following to the tragedy.
Last night it was suggested the youngster had been on her way to a swimming lesson with the Ythan Amateur Swimming Club when the accident took place.
A statement released by Kirsten’s family said: “Kirsten was a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, cousin and niece.
“Her kindness, generosity and kind-hearted spirit touched many. Kirsten will be sorely missed and we would ask for time to grieve as a family.
“Our deepest and heartfelt thanks go to all first responders and the medical staff at ARI.”
Tributes were also placed by the roadside where the accident took place.
A bunch of flowers was left with a note which said: “Rise high angel, we will never forget you.”
A spokesman for the hockey club’s junior section said: “Ellon Hockey Club would like to extend their deepest condolences to all family and friends of Kirsten Duguid.
“When her mother phoned me this morning she said that Kirsten had been very much looking forward to playing in the under-14 festival tomorrow.
“Kirsten will be sadly missed by us all at the club. We have withdrawn from the festival as a mark of respect. Rest in peace Kirsten.”
The Ythan Amateur Swimming Club also released a statement.
It said: “We are devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our members in a car accident. Love and prayers to the Duguid family. RIP Kirsten.”
Tributes were also pouring in on social media throughout the weekend.
One of Kirsten’s swimming coaches, Barry Gault, said: “A valued member of Ythan Amateur Swimming Club. Always smiling.
The team will miss her greatly. Love and prayers to her lovely family. RIP Kirsten.”
Sandra Murdoch added: “Kirsten was such a lovely, kind girl from a lovely family. Deepest sympathy at this very sad time. Prayers are with you and all those involved.”
Ellon and District councillor Rob Merson added: “My sympathies go out to the families concerned, it is a tragic loss of such a promising young lady.”
The road was closed until 1am on Saturday after the crash.
Local area commander Chief Inspector Elaine Logue said: “This is a tragic incident which will touch the hearts of all those who knew Kirsten as well as the wider community. Our thoughts at this time are with Kirsten’s family.
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the emergency services who attended at the scene – it is clear brave attempts were made to free the young girls from the vehicle.
“Members of the public also assisted at the scene and I would like to thank them sincerely for everything they did to help while faced with such tragic circumstances.
“Police Scotland will continue to provide support to those affected at this very sad and difficult time.
“Inquiries are ongoing and at an early stage and as always I would appeal to anyone with any information, or who saw the vehicle prior to the collision, to contact police on 101.”