Relatives of Inverness man killed in crash on A9 in Ross-shire left 'devastated; by the tragedy; Police Scotland seeks dash-cam footage of collision near Alness Point
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE father of a “happy-go-lucky” Inverness man who was killed in a road accident on the A9 just weeks before Christmas said he was “devastated” by the loss of his son.
Ryan MacDonald, also known as Ryan Smith (25), who was dad to Maisie (four), was killed after a head-on collision near Alness Point shortly after 5pm on Friday.
He was driving a grey Peugeot 208 when it collided with a grey Ford Edge.
The man and a woman who were in the Ford sustained minor injuries, and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Mr MacDonald was a roads contractor, digger driver and landscaper and worked on projects throughout the north of Scotland.
His father Doug Smith (61) lives in Invergordon with his partner Shona. He told the Courier: “We are absolutely devastated that Ryan has been taken from us so young – he had his whole life to live. It is a complete shock, and at the moment we are struggling to believe it has happened.
“Information about what happened is still very patchy, and we are waiting to find out more about how he died.
“I got a phone call on Friday evening from Ryan’s mum Lynn to give me the news. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Ryan just adored his grandparents, from Alness. He was very close to both sets of grandparents, and he loved to visit them.
“He also loved his daughter Maisie and was an adoring dad. Ryan was a happy-go-lucky man who was very much loved by me and his family, even though there were the normal ups and downs that every family has.
“We cannot believe that he is gone.”
Alness councillor Carolyn Wilson led tributes to Mr MacDonald.
“This is a dreadful tragedy,” she said. “My thoughts, and the thoughts of the whole community, are with the family of this young man who was taken too soon.
“The family are all well-known throughout the area and many people will be feeling their loss today.
“We are all thinking of them at this very difficult time.”
In tributes online, Mr MacDonald’s aunt, Teresa Crawford, said: “Our hearts are completely ripped apart, Ryan. Until we meet again, fly high with the angels. Love you always, Auntie Teresa.”
His cousin, also Ryan MacDonald, said: “RIP cuz. Can’t get my head round it. Was literally just hours ago we were bopping about your mother’s living room and kitchen. Last thing I mind you saying was ‘turn that choon right up’, which sums you up. Loved to party. Heaven’s your dance floor now. Take care up there.”
Nicole Begg said: “Life is far too cruel! Another young life taken far to soon. RIP Ryan MacDonald. Thoughts are with your family.”
Sergeant Alan Henderson of the road policing unit in Dingwall said: “Our thoughts are very much with this man’s family and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing and I urge anyone who either saw what happened, or saw either vehicle in the lead-up to the collision, to please get in touch as soon as possible.
“Dash-cam footage in particular would be extremely helpful.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2861 of November 29.
