Family pays tribute boy, 11, killed in van crash

THE family of an 11-year-old boy who died after being hit by a van on an Aberdeenshire road has paid tribute to their “amazing boy”.

Bobby Douglas, 11, from Newtonhill, died after being hit by a van. Picture: PA

Bobby Douglas, from Newtonhill, was struck by the vehicle near the Newtonhill flyover on the A90 at 6:20pm on Friday.

The keen kickboxer and Aberdeen Football Club fan later died from his injuries.

Yesterday, his family issued a statement saying they had been “totally devastated” by his death.

They said: “Bobby was an amazing boy, who had so much energy and a real passion for life, and he was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family and friends.

“Our family and Bobby’s many friends are finding it extremely hard to come to terms with the fact he has so tragically and unexpectedly been taken from us, and it will take us a very long time to come to terms with our loss.”

Tributes and flowers have been left near the spot where the youngster was knocked down.

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The Aberdeen Combat Centre gym in the city’s South College Street, where Bobby trained in Muay Thai kickboxing, was adorned with flowers and messages.

In a statement, a representative of the Aberdeen Combat Centre mixed martial arts group said: “Bobby was only 11 years old, the original mini Spartan.

“He has been such an important part of the ACC and the Spartans since we began many years ago, and his sudden passing has left us all unbelievably devastated and shocked.

“Such an amazing kid, who literally touched the lives of every single person who met him, and no words can describe the sadness we feel.”

The gym remained closed over the weekend as a mark of respect.

A group of Aberdeen Football Club fans is planning a special tribute to him at their Scottish Premiership match with Hamilton Academical at Pittodrie on

6 December.

Bobby, who went to Abbotswell Primary School in Aberdeen, is survived by his elder brother, Danny, little sister Demi and parents Mark Douglas and Tracy Livingstone.

Messages of support for Bobby’s mother were posted online.

One, from Jane Pirie, said: “My heart is aching with the thought of your pain – I can only imagine what you are going through.”

The A90 was closed for five hours on Friday night as police carried out an investigation at the scene.

Police are still investigating the accident, which happened on the A90’s southbound carriageway.

Road policing sergeant Steve Milne said: “We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

“It is vital that we piece together what has happened.

“Witness accounts are key to this and a full investigation into the circumstances is now under way.”

Television chef Nick Nairn was travelling on the southbound carriageway of the A90 at about the time the accident happened.

He said: “Really tragic news. I was only a few cars behind, just awful. My thoughts are with his family.”

Anyone with information about the collision or who saw any children crossing the carriageway before the accident is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.

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