The family of a young father who died suddenly on New Year’s Day have spoken of their shock at the tragic events.
Peterculter man Shaun Sykes collapsed and died while watching a film with loved ones at just 35.
Originally from Sheffield, Mr Sykes moved to Aberdeen with fiancee Tracy Ridge, 34, in 2001.
The official cause of death is unknown at this stage, but Ms Ridge says she, and the couple’s two children Caitlin, 11, and Cameron, 8, have been left reeling by the tragic events.
She said: “We had had a fantastic Christmas. He took two weeks off and we went out together as a family and had fun.
“We had just eaten together and were watching a movie and he just went like that.”
The family now face an agonising wait for the results of a post-mortem examination before they can arrange the funeral.
Mr Sykes was well-known in the city as The Handyman – a business he set up two-years ago.
The couple had been planning on getting married either this year or next.
Ms Ridge added: “He was a fantastic father and will be sorely missed.”
Tributes to Aberdeen dad who died watching films with family on New Year’s Day