Police have confirmed that Douglas Edwardson, head of housing at Aberdeenshire Council, has died following a crash on the A944 Dunecht to Alford road on Saturday December 5.
The collision happened at around 2:30pm and involved a Seat Leon and a tractor.
His family have released a brief statement through Police Scotland: “Douglas’ family are devastated to confirm that Douglas has died. They are very grateful for all the support they have received, in particular from all the staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“They would wish no press attention at this very difficult time for them all and to be left to grieve in private.”
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
Road Policing Sergeant Steve Milne said: “”It is understood a small 4×4 may have stopped directly after the accident in the Eastbound carriageway and the sole occupant may have seen the collision. We would appeal for that driver or anyone else with information to call 101.”
Mr Edwardson was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a critical condition after the accident and was put into an induced coma.
The 58-year-old’s wife was also injured, although it is understood she has since been discharged and had been keeping vigil at his bedside.
At the time of the crash Upper Deeside and Donside councillor Geva Blackett said: “He is a really, really lovely man. Douglas has become a fantastic source of help to me but he is also a really good friend.
“He has a ‘can do’ attitude. Nothing is too much trouble for him. He has helped me out in many instances and I am just praying to God he is all right.
“He is just wonderful, a really lovely man.”
As well as being in the chief role at the council’s housing department since 2009, Mr Edwardson is well-known in the Banff and Buchan area where he lived and worked.
Central Buchan councillor Jim Ingram said: “I certainly hope he and his wife both make a speedy and a full recovery.”
Based in the Alford area, Mr Edwardson was involved with local issues and was chairman of the hall and property committee for Howe Trinity Church.
He and his wife had been travelling in their grey Seat Leon when it collided with a tractor towing a trailer on Saturday.
Their vehicle was left a wreck, while the blue Ford New Holland tractor overturned.
He added: “Everyone at Aberdeenshire Council was shocked and saddened to hear that Douglas and his wife were involved in a road traffic accident at the weekend. Douglas is a well-respected and much-loved colleague.”
Peterhead councillor Anne Allan, who works closely with Mr Edwardson in her role as head of the council’s social work and housing committee, said: “I’ve known Douglas since before I was a councillor – since 1996 when I was a tenant representative – and I’ve always found him very, very supportive.”
Marr councillor Karen Clark, a former chairwoman of the committee, added she had a “great amount of respect” for Mr Edwardson. She added: “He is just a decent human being. He is just one of those good, caring people and is incredibly good at his job.”
And Councillor Peter Argyle – whose wife Natalia is in care after being seriously injured in a crash near Westhill in 2013 – also wished Mr Edwardson well. He said: “I have known Douglas for 16 years since I have been a councillor. He is a hell of a good guy and has made a huge contribution to the council over the years.
“From my own experience this is a hard thing for anybody to go through.”