A Lossiemouth father has tragically died nearly two weeks after a fire ripped through his home.
Neil Thompson, 35, was rushed to hospital in a serious condition along with his 31-year-old partner Natalie Mckay and 13-month-old daughter Hailey when the blaze broke out on Thursday, February 21.
Up to 40 firefighters were mobilised to the seaside town after the alarm was raised at 3.45am with the fire badly damaging the home on MacDonald Drive.
A neighbouring property was also evacuated as fire crews fought to bring it under control.
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The three occupants of the damaged property were initially taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin and the toddler was then flown to hospital in Glasgow.
Yesterday police confirmed Mr Thompson has died from the injuries he sustained in the blaze.
Mike Mulholland, chairman of the Lossiemouth Community Council, said the whole of the town was thinking of his family.
He said: “As a community we are devastated about this and the family have our thoughts and prayers at this time.
“The whole community is very much behind them without question and we are all shocked and devastated.
“If there is anything we as a community council can do to help them, we will be there for them and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Heldon and Laich councillor James Allan knew the family well, as his sister went to school with Mr Thompson’s mother Beryl.
He said: “It’s really sad news, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
“I know them really well, as his mother Beryl works at Hythehill Primary so it is really sad to see.
“Everyone in Lossie is close knit, so it is devastating news.”
Local people have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Mr Thompson, who along with his brother inherited his father’s plumbing and heating business.
Tony Sherwood wrote: “A terrible tragedy, heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with Neil’s family.”
And Scott Wilson posted: “Honestly don’t realise how precious life is finding out I lost my best pal tonight is one of the hardest things to experience in life, working out in the gym will never be the same without you. You’ve made me proud Neil and I’ll do everything to make you proud bro. I love you.”
Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson added: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
Douglas Ross MP said: “I am so very sorry to hear this terrible news and express my sincere condolences to Neil’s family and friends.
“It is particularly sad and tragic circumstances that have led to his death and my heart goes out to Neil’s partner, Natalie and the couple’s baby daughter.
“When something like this happens, it is felt throughout the whole of the local community. I know everyone in Lossiemouth will be saddened by this news and want to support the family in any way they can in the days and weeks ahead.”
