A north-east community was in mourning last night after a young dad died in an accident on a country road.
Fraser Gibbon is thought to have been working on a green mini-loader when it was struck by a burgundy Vauxhall Insignia estate.
The 20-year-old died at the scene of the crash on the B9170 Cuminestown-New Deer route in Aberdeenshire.
The road was closed for six hours as police carried out an investigation and officers have appealed for witness to what they described as a “harrowing incident” to get in touch with them.
Online tributes have been paid to former Meldrum Academy pupil Mr Gibbon.
His uncle, Sonny Milne, said in one post that his death had left a “big hole in his heart”.
Mr Gibbon is understood to have been from Tarves originally and was the father of a young daughter. He lived near Cuminestown.
Last night, local community leaders said their thoughts were with his family and friends.
Aberdeenshire councillor Norman Smith said: “It is never good, but these things are worse at this time of the year for the family.
“The community will be hurting as well.”
Fellow Aberdeenshire councillor Jim Ingram described news of the young man’s death as “terrible”.
He added: “Your feelings go out to his family and his friends.
“I’d certainly endorse that, if anyone witnessed anything before or after to indicate driving conditions or so forth, they should come forward.”
People paid tribute to Mr Gibbon on social networking sites and left messages of support for his family.
Alison Shearer said: “So so sad, this an absolute tragedy, it’s always the good taken from us so young.”
Fiona Bisset said: “The darts girls have always had a giggle with you Fraser and we will miss your nights with us and your lifts when we have had a dram too many, as for your mum, dad and the rest of the family our thoughts are with them at this hard time.”
Sergeant Jon Barron, who is heading the investigation into Wednesday’s accident, said: “Collision investigators are trying to piece-together the circumstances of what exactly has happened.
“This is a harrowing incident that has very sadly resulted in the tragic loss of life.
“First and foremost, our thoughts at this particularly traumatic time are with Fraser’s family and friends.
“Detailed inquiries are under way in order to establish the full circumstances.
“I would like to take this opportunity to urge any potential witnesses to come forward and speak to us.
“In particular, the inquiry team are interested in speaking to anyone who witnessed the actual collision, anyone who saw either of the vehicles – a green mini-loader and red Vauxhall Insignia motor car – prior to the incident or who may have been driving in the immediate area around the time.”
The crash happened around 9.20am on Wednesday and police have urged witness to contact them on 101.