North-east oil worker dad killed in Brazil

A young Aberdeen oil worker has been killed in a road accident in Brazil.

Father-of-three Michael McPake, 26, died in the city of Itabuna in the north-eastern state of Bahia.

He had been working for Aberdeen-based engineering firm Oceaneering when it happened on December 5.

Last night the circumstances remained unclear, but a Foreign Office spokes-man said it had been assisting Mr McPake’s family.

It is understood his body was flown back to Glasgow at the weekend where it was met by family members and returned home.

Tributes poured in yesterday for the young father – fondly known as Joe – who was described as a “popular team member” by his employers and a “genuine guy” by friends.

His girlfriend Lynsey Melvin, 25, was too upset to speak about his death last night and was being comforted by her family at Boyd Orr Avenue, Kincorth.

Leading the tributes were bosses at Oceaneering, which has its headquarters at Pitmedden Road, Dyce.

A spokesman for the firm said Mr McPake – a “skilled technician” – had worked there for several years.

“Joe was a popular team member and a skilled non-destructive testing/automated ultrasonic testing technician who will be missed by all who knew him,” he added. “He has worked for the Oceaneering Pipeline division over the last seven years.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”

Meanwhile, dozens of messages flooded a memorial page set up on the social networking site Bebo in Mr McPake’s honour.

A message at the top of the website read: “This is for the people that knew Joe McPake. He was a much loved dad, boyfriend, brother, son, uncle and friend.

“Just remember Uncle Joe – we love and miss you.”

One friend, Scott, wrote: “RIP Joe. The world loses another great person. Shouldn’t happen to the good ones. Thinking of all the family.”

Another, Tasmin Law said: “A really fine, genuine guy who will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to you Lynsey, your boys and the rest of the family.”

Friend Warren Mathers added: “I only knew Joe a short while but he was genuine and a great bloke. My wishes go out to all his family and friends. My thoughts are with you all.”

Mr McPake and Miss Melvin stayed at Creel Drive, Cove, with their children Michael, Jamie, five, and three-month-old Aaron.

Miss Melvin is currently on maternity leave from the Container Company Aberdeen, which is based in Wellington Circle, Altens.

She has worked as a senior administrator with the firm for about four years.

Managing director Andy Drummond said he had spoken to Miss Melvin about the accident, adding that he and the company would continue to support her.

“It’s a terrible tragedy,” he told the Press and Journal.

“Joe didn’t work for us but Lynsey did and naturally myself, the company directors and all the staff are in shock about what has happened.

“We have offered our condolences to Lynsey, her children and her family and will continue to support her through this.”

Neighbours in Creel Drive said the couple moved in around three years ago and Mr McPake often worked in Brazil.

A close neighbour, who did not want to be named, said Joe was a “really lovely guy” and his death was a tragedy.

He said the couple and their children were a “really nice” family.

Another neighbour said he was “shocked” by Mr McPake’s death.

“I only found out recently after another neighbour told me,” he said.

“It’s a terrible thing to happen to a young family.”

The Foreign Office spokesman confirmed that Mr McPake had died in the Itabuna area of Brazil on December 5, and said that his family were being offered consular assistance.

The funeral will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral, Huntly Street, Aberdeen on Thursday at 12.45pm, thereafter to Hazlehead Cemetery.

Mr McPake is also survived by his parents Patricia and Joe, brother Patrick and sister Wilma.