A man’s body was found in the wreckage of his car on Christmas Eve – two days after he was reported missing.
Matthew Tomlinson was visiting the north of Scotland, but his concerned family in York contacted the police when he did not get in touch.
Searches began on Saturday, and the wreckage of his car was found down an embankment near Invergarry at about 8.50am on Christmas Eve.
It is believed Mr Tomlinson was travelling between Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh on the A87 when the accident happened on Friday.
It is understood that about an hour into the journey, his phone dropped off the map through an apparent loss of mobile signal.
Concerned members of his family travelled north from York to join searchers before the black Vauxhall Insignia was found about five miles north of Invergarry, 15ft down an embankment in a burn.
In an online post on Facebook, Mr Tomlinson’s brother Josh thanked searchers for their efforts whilst confirming his brother had been found.
He wrote: “Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know we’ve found Matt and its not good news. Unfortunately, he’s died from a car accident on Friday night. Sorry for anyone who’s had to read this without getting a call. Thanks for everyone’s efforts.”
Tributes flooded in for Mr Tomlinson, who was described as a “funny and bright” with “a heart of gold.”
Sam Hamill wrote: “Matt was an amazing guy, such a big loveable character. My thoughts are with all the family.”
Mike Thomas said: “This is heart breaking, Matt was a true gent who inspired so many great memories.”
Phoebe Senara added: “Every time I spoke to Matt he never failed to make me smile, he will be so missed by so many people.”
Friends from the frisbee team he played with also expressed their condolences to his family.
Natasha Lee said: “Matt has been a huge influence on Stirling Uni and the Scottish Ultimate Community and he will be sorely, sorely missed. Sending love to you and all the family.”
Catrin Jones said: “Matt was an amazing guy and will be remembered and missed by so many people.”
A police spokeswoman said: “As part of efforts to trace missing person Matthew Tomlinson, 29, police found a serious one-vehicle road traffic collision in the Glengarry area at around 8.45am on Monday, December 24.
“A man was found deceased within the vehicle.”
Collision inspectors were at the scene for much of Monday, with a 30-mile diversion in place for motorists.
Vehicle recovery specialists and a fire crew from Fort Augustus also worked to recover the car.
