Tributes paid to 'much loved' hero Covid-19 nurse killed after bike and van collide in Edinburgh

Tributes have been paid to a "much loved" and "well respected" nurse who was killed after the bike he was cycling collided with a van.

James Harrison, who worked for NHS Lothian, died after the crash with a Mercedes Sprinter van on Mount Vernon Road at the crossroads junction with Gilmerton Road, at about 8:45am last Thursday.

The 36-year-old was a lead research nurse in cardiology and recently volunteered in an intensive care unit to support the Covid-19 response.

Professor Alex McMahon, NHS Lothian's executive director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals, said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our colleague James Harrison. James was a much loved and well respected member of the NHS Lothian team working as a lead research nurse in cardiology.

NHS Lothian and Scottish Athletics paid tribute to James Harrison, who died after the bike he was cycling collided with a van last Thursday. Pic: Bobby Gavin/ Google

“In recent months, James volunteered in our intensive care unit to support the Covid-19 response, demonstrating his enduring commitment, compassion and determination to support both patients and staff.

“James will be truly missed by all the colleagues he worked alongside, and by the wider research community here in Lothian and across Scotland.

“From everyone at NHS Lothian, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Harrison family. Our thoughts are with James’s wife and two young children at this truly difficult time.”

‘Deepest condolences’

Mr Harrison was also an official for Scottish Athletics and an athlete and team manager at Corstorphine AAC. A tribute shared on the Scottish Athletics official Facebook page on Sunday read: "All at Scottish Athletics were shocked and saddened to learn of a tragic bike accident in Edinburgh which led to one of our officials, James Harrison, being killed.

"The incident happened early on Thursday.

"Corstorphine AAC athlete and team manager, James was one of our up-and-coming Start Team members and his mother, Annette, is another member of that team.

"We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Dr Rowan Harrison, their two young children and all the rest of the family as well as his friends in athletics and beyond."

Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday that Mr Harrison had died from his injuries following the collision two days before.

Sergeant Jennifer Forbes, of Edinburgh's Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased at this terrible time".

“I’d like to thank those members of the public who have contacted us with information on the collision over the past few days and continue to appeal for any other witnesses to come forward, particularly if you have possible dashcam footage of the incident itself or either the vehicle or the cyclist in the area shortly beforehand.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting incident number 1312 of 26 June.