A young Highland man lost his life after crashing into an unmarked police car on a notorious north road.
Police confirmed yesterday that one of their own officers was involved in the horrific collision that led to the death of 26-year-old Dean Meiklejohn, from Thurso.
It is the second tragedy to hit the Meiklejohn family, following the death of Dean’s older brother Lee almost a decade ago, aged just 19.
Last night, the boys’ heartbroken mum Sandra said on social media that the family was “gutted to the bottom of our hearts”.
Hundreds of friends and relatives paid tribute to the “beautiful young man” throughout the day.
The crash happened just after 7pm on Thursday on the A9 Inverness road, outside Thurso.
Police said Mr Meiklejohn’s blue Ford Fiesta was travelling on the northbound carriageway towards the town when he lost control whilst overtaking another car.
A spokesman added that a van travelling out of Thurso took evasive action before the Fiesta collided with a Nissan Qashqai, which was an unmarked police vehicle being driven by an on-duty police officer.
The policewoman, who was not injured, assisted at the scene. A fifth vehicle was struck by debris from the collision.
Tributes flooded in for the former Thurso High School pupil, who was believed to have been working for a construction firm in the Caithness town.
On social media, friend Tich Aikman said: “RIP to one of the best people I knew and grew up with since I was young. RIP Dean Meiklejohn. You will never be forgotten mate until we meet again pal.”
Kim Bates said: “RIP Dean Meiklejohn, you will never be forgotten. Fly high with the angels. Hope you are watching over us all.”
Kelly Sutherland added: “Dean was a fantastic guy always made us laugh. He was truly one in a million and he’ll be missed by us all.”
Don Campbell told said he was “devastated” for Mr Meiklejohn’s parents. He wrote: “A great guy with a full and great life ahead taken too early. Deepest Sympathies to you both.”
And Christine Jollands posted: “Dear Sandra and Gordon, sadly the whole of Caithness and beyond will again be saddened and shocked by your tragic news of Dean. Everyone ‘feels’ in their own way, and sadly many of those reading your news today, will understand by their own experiences.
“Please absorb the genuine love that is out there for you both. As your beautiful boys are reunited far too soon, just know you are fantastic parents. Our love to you both, your family and all those close to you.”
Mr Meiklejohn’s family run Meiklejohn Taxis in Thurso.
The road was closed for nine hours whilst specialist officers carried out investigations into the collision, leaving motorists with a 50 mile diversion through Castletown.
Three fire engines were called to the scene, with two from Thurso and another from Wick.
Sergeant Donnie MacKinnon said: “Tragically this collision has resulted in the driver of the Fiesta sustaining fatal injuries and we are currently trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Our sincere condolences are with the family and all left devastated by this tragic incident.
“I would like to thank all those who assisted at the scene and our colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue that were in attendance.”
He added: “A full investigation has been conducted and is ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information that would assist to come forward.
“Anyone who was on the A9 just outside Thurso at around 7pm on Thursday evening and witnessed what happened should contact police immediately by contacting 101.”
