TRAGIC RIVER TOT IS NAMED
Community’s grief at death of Jacob (2)
A two-year-old boy who died after being found in the River Ericht on Sunday has been named by police as Jacob McIntyre.
The toddler vanished from a property in the Milton of Drimmie area near Bridge of Cally on Sunday morning, sparking a major search and rescue operation involving emergency personnel from Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the air ambulance.
Just over an hour later, Jacob was located in the river by rescue crews, just yards from the property.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics who were in attendance at the scene but he did not survive.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Wales from Police Scotland said: “This is a very tragic incident which resulted in a young boy sadly losing his life.
“The events will undoubtedly bring shock and sadness to this small community and further afield.
“We would like to thank our Scottish Fire and Rescue Service colleagues for their courage and assistance in Sunday’s difficult conditions.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jacob’s family at this difficult time.”
The police investigation into the circumstances of the death continues,
and as with all such sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Floral tributes have been left in memory of Jacob by members of the local community who have been shocked by the tragedy.
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Bob Ellis visited the scene on Monday.
He said: “This is an absolute tragedy. My thoughts and condolences are with the family.
“The community will be absolutely devastated. I am sure they will pull together and help this family in any way they can.”
Provost Liz Grant, who is also a councillor for the ward, said: “Bridge of Cally is a small village, it is a very small community. They will be devastated.”
And Caroline Shiers, Conservative councillor for the Blairgowrie and the Glens ward, added: “It is such sad news and my condolences and thoughts are with the family on their tragic loss.
“My thoughts too go to all the emergency service personnel who were involved in looking for Jacob.”
Deputy first minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, described the news as “heartbreaking” and expressed his sympathy for the family.
“My deepest sympathies to everyone involved,” he said.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly undertook the challenging rescue and recovery operation.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said: “The loss of life at any age is a very painful experience for any family, but to lose a young child in such a tragic chain of events must be the worst pain imaginable for any parent.”