Tributes poured out this evening to a young student and equality campaigner who was tragically killed in a horror road crash.
Police named Bulgarian national Mirela Slavova, 22, as the victim of a tragic crash which happened on Monday.
She was the driver of a white Vauxhall Corsa that collided with a silver Volvo XC90 on the A952 near the Toll of Birness, Aberdeenshire, at around 7.35am.
Mirela, or Mira as she was known to friends, began a university placement as an undergraduate analytical chemist at Shell’s St. Fergus gas terminal in Aberdeenshire, attended Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU) where she studied forensics and helped found the university’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) society.
This evening, the university’s wellbeing and equality officer Steve Mills, 26, paid tribute to his “role model” friend Mira.
He said: “I have known Mira for years. She was such a colourful character and would always be smiling and bouncing about, her outlook on life was infectious.
“As one of the original members of the RGU: LGBT+ society, she became the committee’s women’s officer, standing up as a role model not just for LGBT, but for all women at RGU.”
In a statement posted on social media he wrote: “She was such a presence. One of the funniest, nicest people you could ever meet, she truly was a wonderful, unique character. I am devastated as I am sure everyone who knew her is as well.
“All my love Mirela, you will be sorely missed. XXX”
Catherine Inverarity, Forensic Science Course Leader and Senior Lecturer at RGU, said: “The university community has been shocked by the untimely death of Mirela.
“She was the top student in her year achieving straight As and passed every year of her course with distinction.
“She was expected to graduate with a first class honours in forensic and analytical science and had a fantastic career ahead of her.
“Mirela was highly committed to everything she did, was so full of life and a joy to teach. She will be sadly missed by all staff and students who knew her at RGU.”
Other heartbroken pals took to social media to pay tributes to Mirela.
Jamie Anne Arthur wrote: “Such a shock to all of us! I was in her class and we would definately be wanting to do something for her! She was such a brilliant person! Xx[sic]”
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.