An Inverness father has paid tribute to his “loving” son after the an “adored” father-of-three died after taking ill while cycling on the west coast.
Stefan Krall, 40, from Inverness, was cycling the challenging route between Shieldaig and Applecross in Wester Ross last Saturday when tragedy struck.
His father Manfred Krall last night said: “He lived life to the fullest, he lived for his family and for his friends. He was both well-loved and very loving in return.
“He was very happy, he loved all sport but particualrly the outdoors: cycling, walking and climbing. He loved being in the mountains and outdoors.”
On the cause of death Mr Krall said “the full post mortem is not in but they think it was something to do with his heart – this has been a terrible shock for everyone”.
Just before 3.20pm, the keen cyclist felt unwell – causing other cyclists and passers-by to rush to his assistance in what became a desperate bid to save his life.
The emergency services were called – but it is understood that Mr Krall died at the scene at some time around 5pm.
After his death, police issued an appeal to find the “good Samaritans” who had tried to help at the scene.
They posted: “Could the people who stopped to give help to a cyclist who fell ill today between Shieldaig and Applecross please contact us?”
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 1519 hours on the 14th July to attend a road traffic incident on a main road near Applecross.
“We dispatched a helimed team and an A&E ambulance crew to the scene.”
Mr Krall – who described himself online as a “parent, husband, music mad, mountain goat” spent a great deal of time outdoors, both climbing and cycling including being a frequent visitor to Ord Hill in Ross-shire.
In the past he had taken part in the 50 mile Highland Cross duathlon – 20 miles on foot, 30 miles on bike – as well as cycling 40 miles both off and on road through Glen Sligachan on Skye.
In a poignant death notice, his family wrote that Mr Krall died “suddenly while cycling at Applecross on July 14”.
It continued describing him as the “adored husband of Eilidh, devoted Dad of Ella, Jude and Rudy, beloved son of Manfred and Ann, close brother to Richard.”
Mr Krall, who attended the city’s Millburn Academy, was also described as a “friend to many”.
Mr Krall’s funeral will take place on Thursday at the city’s Ness Bank Church at 1.30pm. Donations to Torridon and Kintail Mountain Rescue Teams.
