A teenager ‘killed in a tragic road accident “lived, breathed, slept and dreamt” about mountain biking, his devastated family has said.
Keiran McKandie had been out on his bike with friends when he was hit by a car on the B9010 Dallas to Kellas road, near Craigend, on Sunday.
The 16-year-old, of Miltonduff, died at the scene.
Last night, the Elgin Academy pupil’s family said he would be “forever missed”.
In a statement, they said: “Our darling beautiful son, Keiran Gordon McKandie, was the love of our lives and the reason for living.
“He was our only child, a devoted grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Always forever in our hearts and he will never leave us.
“Keiran lived, breathed, slept and dreamt downhill mountain biking – it was his world. Even while he was eating his breakfast, he would be searching for biking videos on the internet. He loved all his biking buddies and shredding the tracks, and he was at his happiest when he was biking.
“Keiran was hardworking, genuine, caring, kind, loving, had a witty sense of humour and was ill tricked. He touched the hearts of everyone that was lucky to know him.
“Keiran will be forever missed by all his family, and his friends at Elgin Academy and the biking community. He had been looking forward to going on holiday with eight of his friends in the school holidays.”
The crash, which involved a white Volkswagen Golf, happened just before 11am on Sunday morning.
Passers-by attempted to give the teenager first aid, he could not be saved. Nobody else was injured.
Kieran’s loved ones last night extended their “sincere gratitude” to those who tried to help him, adding: “As a family we would like to thank the emergency services and all that attended and tried their very best to save him.”
In the days since the tragic incident, friends and family have created a touching floral tribute at the roadside where he died.
A white K has been attached to a tree, while bouquets and candles have been placed underneath its branches.
A number of the floral tributes include heartfelt messages attached from his shocked friends.
One reads: “Still don’t believe it’s true that my friend from down the lane is really gone. You will be missed always, Sam.”
While another reads: “RIP Keiran, sleep tight. You were a great guy and an amazing friend. You were taken far too young and too quick.
“Thoughts are with family and close friends.”
Police closed the road for several hours while collision investigators examined the scene.
Officers also had to arrange for the car, which was badly damaged at the passenger side, to be uplifted from the road.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact 101.