A young mum has been killed and her partner left fighting for his life following a horror car crash in Tenerife.
Mother-of-three Lauren Middleton, from Aberdeen, and her boyfriend – offshore worker Graeme Digby – had been travelling through the tourist resort of Arona, in the south of the island when the two vehicle collision happened.
Ms Middleton died at the scene, while Mr Digby had to be cut free from the wreckage of their car.
A man who had been travelling in the other vehicle was also seriously hurt and is in a critical condition in hospital.
Mr Digby’s family in Aberdeen confirmed yesterday that he had been taken to an intensive care unit.
However, they said they had no idea whether he knows about the tragedy yet.
The 39-year-old had been visiting the Canary Islands as he prepared to move from his home in Aberdeen to begin a new life with Ms Middleton abroad.
The 33-year-old mum moved from the north-east to Tenerife several years ago, and had been living in Arona with her three young children – aged two, five and 11.
Her mother and step-father also live nearby.
Yesterday morning, Ms Middleton’s brother, Keith, and his wife travelled from their home in Aberdeen to Tenerife to be with their family.
Expats living in Arona said people were in mourning following Saturday’s crash, and Ms Middleton’s local restaurant had closed as a mark of respect.
Mr Digby’s father and best friend have also travelled to the tourist spot to be by his side while he battles his injuries.
Last night, tributes poured in from friends in the couple’s home city and overseas.
Many spoke of their devastation that the new life they were about to embark on had been so tragically cut short.
They said Ms Middleton – who was always the “life and soul of the party” – had looked so happy in the months leading up to her death, and described her as a “wonderful mother, daughter and friend”.
She had recently visited Aberdeen to visit family and friends and it is understood she was due to return to the north-east later this year to be a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding.
Marc Jones said: “One amazing woman, a lot of broken hearts. She was a very well loved lady by us all.”
Dorothy Collinson said: “A beautiful girl. So funny and such a warm loving person. RIP my dear friend.”
Margaret Crabb added: “May she now be a shining star.”
Alison Marr said: “Beautiful girl through and through. In shock.”
Last night, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed the tragic accident and said it was providing support to both families.
The crash happened in a small town in Arona called Guaza, which is located next to the tourist destinations Palm-Mar, Los Cristianos and Playa de la Americas.
“We can confirm the death of a British National on February 28. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time,” a FCO spokesman said.
“We can also confirm the hospitalisation of a British National in Tenerife. We are also providing consular assistance.”