A young couple killed in a car crash had a “rare once-in-a-lifetime devotion” to each other, their heartbroken families have said.
Jay Morrison and Bethany Wilson, both 24, suffered fatal injuries in the two-vehicle collision on the A952 road south of Mintlaw at Clola, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday evening.
Mr Morrison, a passenger in a black Vauxhall Corsa, was pronounced dead at the scene. Driver Ms Wilson was pronounced dead at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A 62-year-old man, a 61-year-old woman and two boys, aged five and seven, were travelling in the other car, a grey Range Rover Evoque.
Police Scotland said the man and woman were taken to hospital for treatment, while the children were taken as a precaution.
In a statement released through the force, Mr Morrison’s family said: “We are utterly heartbroken and devastated beyond words at the loss of our only son, Jay.
“He was a brilliant, strong, handsome, charismatic, kind, and truly incredible young man whose smile literally lit up every room.
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“Jay had an incredible sense of humour, he was a philosopher who saw the world from many perspectives and had a beautiful soul as well as a beautiful mind.”
Mr Morrison’s family described him as an “adventurer at heart” who had a love for travelling.
They added: “Jay had huge plans for his future alongside his beautiful Bethany.
“Their love for each other was profound and absolute, the kind of rare once-in-a-lifetime devotion that touched everyone who knew them.
“Our lives will never be the same without them.”
Ms Wilson’s family paid tribute to the emergency crews “who did everything they could” for their “precious daughter”.
Ms Wilson was a former Longside Primary School and Ellon Academy pupil, where she played the cello with multiple musical groups.
She went on to study for a Master’s degree in product design and innovation at the University of Strathclyde, before taking a job with Walker’s Shortbread.
Ms Wilson was about to start a new role with Joseph Robertson in Aberdeen, the oldest family-owned fish processing firm in the UK.
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Her family said: “Bethany was an extraordinary young woman who touched the lives of so many in the short time we were blessed to have her with us.
“From her passion for design to her love of music, she embraced life with energy and joy, and had worked incredibly hard for her achievements.
“We are comforted by the thought that she had been so happy when we last saw her, looking forward to starting a new job, and planning for the future alongside her partner, Jay.
“We are devastated to have lost her but feel privileged to have shared our lives with her.”
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The road was closed for investigation works following the collision, which occurred at about 7.25pm.
Sergeant Pete Henderson said: “Our thoughts remain with Jay and Bethany’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“Our investigation into the collision is ongoing, and I would again ask anyone who has any information surrounding the collision that hasn’t already spoken to police to contact us.”
