The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Victim of errol bridge plunge tragedy named
Death: Victim thought to have been in river for about 30 minutes before he was found
The man killed in a fall at a Perthshire river has been named by police.
David Templeton, 59, from Montrose, died after plunging into water at Pow of Grange, near Errol, on December 29.
He is believed to have been floating face-down in the river for about half-anhour before he was found by searchers.
A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed Mr Templeton’s identity yesterday, adding: “There are no suspicious circumstances, but as with all deaths of this nature, a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.”
Mr Templeton lived on his own at Ferry Street, Montrose.
Neil Smith, who owns a motor accessories business on Ferry Street, said: “It’s quite a close-knit community and I know most of the people who live around here.”
He continued: “It is so sad that he died in such tragic circumstances so I feel for his friends and family at this sad time.”
Another man, 34-year-old Bryan Wrycza, also went into the water,
The pair had stepped off a bus moments before landing in the waistheight river.
It is understood one of the men had needed a toilet break and had asked the driver for a quick stop.
Mr Wrycza, from Dundee, escaped unharmed with help from rescuers Eddie Hunt and Stuart McKay.
He said he tried to pull Mr Templeton out of the water and on to the embankment: “I tried to save him, but I couldn’t,” he said.
Mr Hunt and Mr McKay were joined by another man, Simon Simpson, during the rescue.
Yesterday Councillor Angus Forbes inspected the scene of the accident.
He said: “My thoughts really are with the family and friends of Mr Templeton who died in the incident at Grange before Christmas.
“To lose anyone is hard enough, but at Christmas time I know it’s even harder.”
The Conservative councillor added: “These drainage channels run very fast after heavy rain and if we can take anything positive from this tragic incident I hope it is that people should stay well away from them. “I know this bridge well. “It’s one of many that cross drainage channels on the Lower Carse Road.
“The bridge structure is owned by Perth and Kinross Council, but the land on each side is privately owned.”
Mr Forbes added: “It’s reassuring to know that local people were willing to risk their own lives to try and save him by jumping into the river and pulling him out.
“They should be very proud of their actions and it demonstrates that the community spirit is alive and well in the Carse of Gowrie. I am very grateful to the people who tried in vain to rescue and resuscitate Mr Templeton.”