Stunned members of the tight-knit community paid tribute to the young dad, who was a popular shinty player, having represented both his local team and Scotland Under-21s, as goalkeeper.
Fort William Shinty Club chairman, Duncan McPhee, said: “Gary was a well-respected player, played goalkeeper for the first and second teams, and a great servant to Fort William Shinty Club.
“Our thoughts are very much with his family at this sad time – our hearts go out to them.”
Echoing Mr McPhee’s thoughts were Brian Murphy, one of the town’s councillors, who added: “I know the family. This is a very sad tragedy. All the thoughts of the community go out to the family at this time.”
His funeral is today, at noon, in Duncansburgh-MacIntosh Parish Church, Fort William, then to Glen Nevis Cemetery.