A schoolboy who died after being run down by a van on a dual carriageway has been described as “an amazing” youngster who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Eleven-year-old Bobby Douglas was taken to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital after the accident on the A90.
The keen kickboxer and Dons fan later died from his injuries
Last night, his family issued a statement saying they were “totally devastated” by the youngster’s death.
“Bobby was an amazing boy, who had so much energy and a real passion for life, and he was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family and friends,” they said.
“Our family and Bobby’s many friends are finding it extremely hard to come to terms with the fact he has so tragically and unexpectedly been taken from us, and it will take us a very long time to come to terms with our loss.”
Over the weekend, tributes and flowers were left near the spot where the youngster was hit by a black Ford Transit.
And the Aberdeen Combat Centre gym in the city’s South College Street, where Bobby trained in Muay Thai kickboxing, was adorned with flowers and messages.
A group of Aberdeen Football Club fans are planning a special tribute to him at their team’s Scottish Premiership match with Hamilton Academical at Pittodrie on December 6.
Police are still investigating the accident, which happened at Newtonhill, south of the city, on the A90’s southbound carriageway.
Bobby, who went to Abbotswell Primary School in Aberdeen, is survived by his older brother Danny and little sister Demi, as well as his parents Mark Douglas and Tracy Livingstone.
In a statement, a representative of the Aberdeen Combat Centre mixed martial arts group said: “It is with a truly heavy heart that I have to make this announcement.
“Last night, we lost one of our boys. One of our Spartans.
“I’m honestly dumbfounded trying to find words that will emphasise just how truly saddened and shocked we are.
“Bobby was only 11 years old, the original mini Spartan.
“He has been such an important part of the ACC and the Spartans since we began many years ago, and his sudden passing has left us all unbelievably devastated and shocked.
“Such an amazing kid, who literally touched the lives of every single person who met him, and no words can describe the sadness we feel.
“On behalf of the Aberdeen Combat Centre, I’d like to ask all our members and patrons to send as much love and support to Tracy, Mark, and the whole family at this tragic time.
“We are all one. When one falls, we all fall. Rest easy little brother. All our love.”
The gym remained closed over the weekend as mark of respect.
Messages of support for Bobby’s mother were also posted online.
One tribute from Jane Pirie said: “My heart is aching with the thought of your pain – I can only imagine what you are going through.
Another, from Karen Ivers, said: “Remember we were pregnant at the same time, can’t imagine what you’re going through Tracy.”
The A90 was closed for about five hours on Friday night as police carried out an investigation at the scene.
Road policing sergeant Steve Milne, said: “We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
“It is vital that we piece-together what has happened.
“Witness accounts are key to this and a full investigation into the circumstances is now under way.”
TV chef Nick Nairn also revealed he was travelling on the southbound carriageway of the A90 shortly before the accident happened around 6.20pm on Friday.
Mr Nairn said: “Really tragic news. I was only a few cars behind, just awful. My thoughts are with his family.”
Anyone with information about the collision or anyone who saw any children crossing the carriageway before the accident has been urged to contact police on 101.