An American oil worker who died after his Porsche hit a tree has been described as a “lifelong car enthusiast” who loved his adopted home in the north-east.
John Stevens, who had been living in Aberdeen for more than two years, was seriously injured when his silver Porsche 911 GT3 crashed on the B976 Birse-Finzean road on Saturday.
The 30-year-old, who was originally from Texas, died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Thursday.
Yesterday the keen outdoors fan – who cycled along the B976 regularly – was remembered by his family as a popular man, who had many friends on both sides of the globe.
In a statement, his family said he was a “lifelong car enthusiast and professionally trained driver” and that his “excellent driving skills” had prevented him from colliding with another vehicle on the B976.
Sadly however, his car left the road and hit a tree.
The statement said: “John was at home in the outdoors and Scotland provided the ideal environment and companionship for him to indulge his passions.
“He was an avid cyclist who had cycled local roads extensively with his Scots cyclist friends. He had in fact cycled the B976 countless times and thus was intimately acquainted with the lane’s every twist, turn and hill.
“Although John will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the knowledge that he loved his adopted country and his life here and was surrounded by great friends, many of whom shared his passions.”
Mr Stevens was an accounts manager in the marketing group of offshore drilling firm Ensco PLC.
He is survived by his parents Norman and Nancy, of Texas; sister Katherine, of New York, and his extended family throughout the US.
The statement added: “John’s family wishes to thank his Scots friends and colleagues for their great kindness and unparalleled support, as well as first responders Bristow Search and Rescue and finally, the ICU staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, who left no stone unturned in providing excellent, compassionate care to John and those who loved him during his final days.”