Family pay tribute to 'irrepressible enthusiast' 19-year-old who died in tragic crash near Aboyne

A family have paid tribute to a 19-year-old man who died following a tragic road crash on the A93 near Aboyne on Monday.

Police confirmed his identity today as Dylan Atkinson of Aboyne. 

The two cars, an Audi and a BMW, went into the River Dee following the incident on the stretch of road between Aboyne and Dinnet. 

Dylan was pronounced dead at the scene while the other driver, 26, was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital where his condition was described as stable yesterday. 

His parents, James and Trish Atkinson, said: "There are no words, there is no tomorrow, there is only now, there is no escape there is only pain. 

"Dylan was our life and his irrepressible enthusiasm and energy will continue in our hearts and of those who knew him well. 

'Our family is broken and it will never heal, it will just change - our hearts are full of love and that will always stay. 

"Everyone's thoughts, messages and support are a comfort and please know how much that means to us all." 

Emergency services attended the scene at around 8am and the road was closed while investigations took place. It is understood the vehicles will be removed from the river once safe to do so. 

Police have yet to give a time frame of when the recovery will take place. 

Floral tributes have now been left on the riverbank to pay tribute to the Aboyne resident as well as on social media. 

North East Road Policing Unit Sergeant Eoin Maxwell said: “Our thoughts remain with Dylan’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our investigation into the collision is continuing. I would urge any witnesses or anyone with information, who has not yet spoken to police, to contact us.

"We are also keen to obtain any dashcam footage from motorists who were driving on this road around 8am on Monday morning.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101 with reference 0568 of December 19.