Stonehaven crash: Families pay tribute to victims

The families of three people killed in a train crash near Stonehaven have paid tribute to them.

Driver Brett McCullough, 45, along with 58-year-old conductor Donald Dinnie, and 62-year-old passenger Christopher Stuchbury, lost their lives when the ScotRail service came off the tracks yesterday morning.

A statement issued on behalf of his Mr McCullough's family, including wife Stephanie, read: "Words cannot describe the utterly devastating effect of Brett’s death on his family and friends.

"We have lost a wonderful husband, father and son in the most awful of circumstances. Brett was the most decent and loving human being we have ever known and his passing leaves a huge void in all our lives.

"We would like to thank the emergency services for their heroic efforts in helping everyone affected by this tragedy and for all the messages of support and condolence we have received."

Kevin Lindsay, Scotland organiser for the train drivers' union ASLEF, said: "The tragic accident at Stonehaven has affected everyone in the railway family, but especially the family and friends of the three people who died, and the six people who were injured.

"Brett was originally from Bromley, in Kent, but moved to Aberdeenshire to marry Stephanie. He worked as a gas fitter up here, and was servicing the boiler of an Aberdeen train driver in 2011 when they started to talk about the railway, and about driving trains.

"Brett was fascinated by what he heard, successfully applied for a job, did his driver’s training for a year to earn his key, and entered service with ScotRail in December 2013.

"He was a dedicated train driver, who loved his job, and was very popular at the depot with his colleagues. He was also a devoted family man who loved his wife and children – two girls and a boy. Brett thought the world of his family, and we all thought the world of him."

Mr Dinnie's family said: "As a family we are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Donald, a loving and proud dad, son, partner, brother, uncle and friend. 

"No words could ever describe how much he will be missed by us all and there will always be a missing piece in our hearts.

"It is so heartwarming to see how many people have fond memories of Donald and I am sure they have plenty of happy and funny stories to tell.

"He was a kind, caring and genuine person who was never found without a smile on his face. We know he will be deeply missed by all. 

"Together we thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and condolences but we kindly ask at this time that we have the chance to grieve privately as a family."

The RMT union has also paid tribute to Mr Dinnie.

Senior assistant general secretary Mick Lynch said: "On behalf of the union I want to send condolences, support and solidarity to Donald Dinnie's family‎, friends and colleagues.

"It is absolutely clear that he was much loved and highly respected by all who knew him and his death is a tragedy that has shocked our entire industry. We share the grief of those who were close to Donald.

"Donald's branch, Aberdeen 1, have told me that ‎he was an amazing person. He lit up every room he walked into with his cheery banter and stories.

"Many knew Donald for most of his railway career as a driver and a guard. He was very much a family man and a valued, active and proud member of the RMT.‎ His loss has cast a long shadow over his branch, his region and the whole national union.

"Our thoughts at this time are also with the driver,‎ Brett McCullough, a member of our sister union ASLEF, and the passenger who also lost their lives in yesterday's incident.

"RMT will continue to provide whatever support we can to Donald's family and colleagues at this terrible time. We are united in both our grief and our determination to ensure that safety on our railways remains the absolute priority."

Relatives of Mr Stuchbury, from Aberdeen, said: "Chris was a much-adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many, including the Targe Towing Team where he was an integral and valued member of staff.

"He also volunteered at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen during his spare time which he thoroughly enjoyed doing.

"We are devastated by his death and we request privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss."

Four people involved in the crash have now been discharged from hospital, while two remain at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a stable condition.