The family of a man killed in a car crash at the weekend have spoken of their “overwhelming” loss as police investigations into the accident continues.
Nathan Thomas Gunn, 30, died after his car was involved in a collision with a bus on the A93 Ballater to Braemar near Bridge of Gairn on Friday night.
Police, fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene but Mr Gunn, who was originally from Thurso and was living in Aboyne, could not be saved.
Tributes for the well-known musician and bar manager, who was looking forward to the birth of his baby, flooded in over the weekend.
Yesterday his family said they were “reeling” at the loss of a “rare and beautiful soul”.
And in a statement they said the pain they were feeling was “overwhelming”.
They added: “Nathan’s death has rocked not only his family and those closest to him but also anyone that has ever known him.
“He had a special gift of bringing laughter to any situation, the most endearing and gentlest of clowns, and demonstrated only kindness to everyone he encountered.
“Nathan was passionate about music and travelled the world in his time as part of rock band Estrella, who will forever miss their shining bass guitarist and beloved brother.
“His families – both Thurso and Aboyne – have been left shattered, as too have his colleagues and friends at The Boat Inn where he had recently been promoted to management. There he was also responsible for events coordination and raising money for various Deeside charities. Both communities are now reeling at the loss of such a rare and beautiful soul.”
Relatives said Mr Gunn was due to become a father for the first time in August and groomsman to his two brothers.
They said they would make sure his child would know through stories and photos of their “legend daddy”, but added “for now however the pain is overwhelming”.
Officers were called to the Bridge of Gairn area at around 6.20pm on Friday following the collision involving the red Vauxhall Astra and Stagecoach bus.
Road policing sergeant Peter Henderson appealed for motorists with information or dash cam footage of the two vehicles to contact police.
He added: “Our thoughts are with Nathan’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
