A man found dead on a pavement near the north-east’s biggest hospital has been named.
Police have confirmed his name was Ian MacDonald, of Aberdeen.
The 55 year old’s family have released a statement through Police Scotland expressing their devastation at his death.
“We are thankful for all the support and well wishes we have received. His family, friends and colleagues are devastated at this sudden and shocking loss and would appreciate privacy at this very difficult time.”
The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.
His body is thought to have been found by an off-duty nurse who was on her way home from a shift at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Police were called to the city’s busy Forresterhill Road after the grim find in the early hours of yesterday.
It is believed Mr MacDonald left Murdos Bar when it closed at midnight.
His body was found around 3am.
Traffic was diverted as police put a cordon in place at a block of flats between Oldcroft Place and Ashgrove Gardens North while forensic officers examined the scene.
Last night, a police spokeswoman said they did not believe the death “involved foul play” and appealed to witnesses who may have seen the man to get in touch.
Detective Inspector Lee Jardine said: “This death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish his last movements.
“From police inquiries, we understand that he may have walked from the Anderson Drive area to Foresterhill Road around 12.30am.”
Last night, one shocked resident said she had spoken to a police officer who had indicated the man may have frozen to death.
Another resident, Linda Barkley, 64, of Forresterhill Road, said: “I never heard anything myself, but it is a very busy street, so you just end up tuning it out.
“I’ve been here 21 years and I’ve never heard of anything like it round here. It’s shocking.”
Shona Gibson, 51, who also lives on the street said: “I never saw a thing. You just don’t know what to think.”
Jan Napier, 79, of Ashgrove Road, only heard about the incident when it was announced that the road was closed.
She said: “I live by myself so it is really worrying.”