Tributes paid to Fife footballer

Ross Cook, of Newburgh Juniors, died in tragic accident

Tributes have been paid to a talented Fife footballer who was killed in a tragic accident at the weekend.

Ross Cook, who played for Newburgh Juniors, was found dead near railway tracks in the Borders town of Kirkconnel following a night out with friends on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, who had been down in Dumfriesshire visiting relatives, had been a popular student at Dundee’s Abertay University and played for the university’s football team.

He has been described by his family as “one in a million”.

A British Transport Police spokesman said officers were called at around 11am on Sunday following the discovery of a body, and there are thought to be no suspicious circumstances.

Newburgh’s game away to Coupar Angus on Saturday has been postponed as a mark of respect, as Mr Cook’s funeral is due to take place in his home town of Sanquhar on the same day.

Tributes have been paid to a young Fife footballer and Dundee student who was killed at the weekend.

Family, friends and team-mates of Ross Cook, 19, who played for Newburgh Juniors, have expressed their sorrow after he died while visiting family in Dumfriesshire.

It is understood Mr Cook was struck by a train at Kirkconnel following a night out with friends on Saturday.

The news has shocked the student community at Abertay University and those who knew him in junior football circles.

His sister Ashley took to social media on behalf of the family to thank everyone who had sent messages.

She said: “We are heartbroken and nothing will be the same again without Ross, he was one in a million”.

Mr Cook’s funeral will be held at St Bride’s Church in Sanquhar at 10.45am on Saturday, with a collection being organised for Sanquhar Academy PE department and Abertay University FC.

James Nicholson, director of student services at Abertay, said: “Ross was a well-regarded student, classmate, footballer and friend to many, who was flourishing in the academic environment.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time and support is being offered to our students.”

A spokesperson for Newburgh Juniors said the club had been given permission to cancel this weekend’s fixture as players and staff come to terms with what happened.

The spokesperson added: “Everyone at Newburgh Juniors’ thoughts are with Ross’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Amid a flurry of tributes and messages on Facebook dedicated to Ross, Abertay University Football Club also paid its respects.

“All members from past and present understand how tightly knitted Abertay Football Club are as a group,” it said.

“Ross just entered his second year with the club and was evidently Abertay daft within a number of training sessions after his arrival.

“Ross not only greatly contributed on the park as a regular in the first team but also contributed greatly to every night out and will remain in the hearts of everyone at Abertay FC.”

A British Transport Police spokesperson said officers had been called to Kirkconnel at around 11am on Sunday after a body was discovered beside the tracks.

“Officers attended along with the ambulance service but sadly a man was found to have died at the scene,” the spokesperson added.

“His family have been informed and his death is not currently being treated as suspicious.”

Ross not only greatly contributed on the park as a regular in the first team but also contributed greatly to every night out and will remain in the hearts of everyone at Abertay FC

Ross Cook was from Sanquhar.

Ross Cook was a talented footballer who played for Abertay FC and Newburgh Juniors.