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Police kayakers examine River Dee crash site as tributes to tragic Dylan are placed on riverbank

Police divers attended the River Dee to check water levels to enable the recovery of the two cars involved in the tragedy. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson
Police divers attended the River Dee to check water levels to enable the recovery of the two cars involved in the tragedy. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Police divers were out on the River Dee today to check if two cars involved in a tragic crash can be removed from the water.

Dylan Atkinson, 19, died on Monday after his red Audi left the A93 Aberdeen to Ballater road and plunged into the river on the outskirts of Aboyne.

A BMW also landed in the water, and the 26-year-old driver was airlifted to hospital.

Today, the marine and dive team took to the water on kayaks to check river levels and see if either vehicle has moved.

Officers arrived at about 11.15am, and could be seen paddling the choppy water before leaving about 45 minutes later.

Both vehicles had been expected to be removed yesterday, but the operation was called off due to melting snow causing water levels to rise.

Members of the police dive and marine unit checked on the vehicles and levels of the River Dee today. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Water levels appear to have dropped

Police have not given a time frame for when the recovery will take place, but have warned the vehicles may move by the time conditions improve.

Both vehicles had been expected to be removed yesterday, but they were submerged by the rising water levels due to snow melting upstream, and the operation was called off.

Levels do seem to have dropped today, as the roof of Mr Atkinson’s car is now visible through the water.

Trainee mechanic Mr Atkinson was pronounced dead at the scene after his car plunged 50ft into the River Dee shortly at about 8am on Monday.

Dylan Atkinson, 19, died in the crash yesterday. Image: Derek Ironside / Newsline Media.

The 19-year-old was on his way to work at a local garage when the tragedy unfolded.

Tributes for former Aboyne Academy pupil

Floral tributes for the former Aboyne Academy pupil have been left on the riverbank, with along with a black and white photograph and some Christmas ornaments.

One message, believed to be from Mr Atkinson’s girlfriend, read: “Dylan, my heart aches for you.

“I’m so sorry this happened to you. Love you always.”

Floral tributes have been left on the riverbank where Dylan Atkinson died on Monday. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

When rescuers arrived at the scene on Monday, they discovered Mr Atkinson’s Audi overturned and almost completely submerged, while the black BMW was resting on the riverbank wall.

The driver of the BMW was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where his condition was described as stable yesterday.

Police say investigations into the crash are ongoing.

The A93 was closed until about 2pm on Tuesday while investigators examined the scene.

It is not known how recently the route had been gritted before the crash happened, as Aberdeenshire Council is unable to comment during an ongoing police incident.

Police divers arrived at the river with their kayaks earlier today. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

More tributes paid to Dylan

As well as being a huge lover of cars, often sharing photos on social media, Mr Atkinson was a talented violinist.

The incident has shocked the tight-knit community in Aberdeenshire, with many describing him as a well-liked young man.

Hundreds of comments have been left on the police post confirming the death.

Jack Edmonstone shared the post and wrote: “RIP Dylan will miss you.”

Floral tributes at the scene of the crash near Aboyne. Picture: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Zander Legge commented: “Such a shame another young life taken so soon on our roads my thoughts and prayers are with the young man’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”

Amanda Mann wrote: “Very sad and tragic thoughts are with families and emergency staff and all involved.”

Councillor for Banchory and Mid Deeside ward Yi-pei Chou Turvey said: “It’s an absolute tragedy and my heart is with his family.”

The distance between the road and the river can be seen in this graphic. Image: DC Thomson

Investigation continues near Aboyne

Sergeant Eoin Maxwell, from the roads policing unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.

“Our investigation is at an early stage and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the crash, who has not yet spoken to police, to contact us. We are also keen to obtain any dashcam from motorists driving on the road around the time of the crash.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 with reference 0568 of December 19.

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