Agony of train driver’s family
Dedicated railman, 45 was ‘decent, loving’ dad Tragic conductor, 58 lost sister 9 weeks ago Popular passenger, 62 a ‘much adored’ husband
HEARTBROKEN friends, relatives and colleagues have paid emotional tributes to the victims of Wednesday’s rail tragedy.
Driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury died after the train they were on came off the tracks near Stonehaven, Kincardineshire.
Another six people out of the 12 on board the 6.38am ScotRail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow were injured.
Yesterday, Mr McCullough’s family said in a statement: ‘Words cannot describe the utterly devastating effect of Brett’s death on his family and friends.
‘We have lost a wonderful husband, father, and son in the most awful of circumstances. Brett was the most decent and loving human being we have ever known and his passing leaves a huge void in all our lives.’
Father-of-three Mr McCullough, 45, had been a train driver for seven years. He worked out of the Aberdeen depot and lived not far from the scene of the crash.
Originally from Bromley, in Kent, he moved to Aberdeenshire to marry his wife Stephanie. He initially worked as a gas fitter but decided to change career after chatting to a train driver in 2011.
Kevin Lindsay, of train drivers’ union Aslef, said Mr McCullough was fascinated by what he heard and ‘successfully applied for a job, did his driver’s training for a year to earn his key, and entered service with ScotRail in December 2013’.
Mr Lindsay added: ‘He was a dedicated train driver, who loved his job, and was very popular at the depot with his colleagues. He was also a devoted family man who loved his wife and children – two girls and a boy.
‘Brett thought the world of his family, and we thought the world of him.’
Yesterday, Mr Dinnie’s heartbroken family released a statement saying: ‘We are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Donald, a loving and proud dad, son, partner, brother, uncle and friend.
‘No words could ever describe how much he will be missed by us all and there will always be a missing piece in our hearts.
‘He was a kind, caring and genuine person who was never found without a smile on his face. We know he will be deeply missed by all.
‘Together we thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and condolences but we kindly ask at this time that we have the chance to grieve privately as a family.’
Yesterday, reports stated Mr Dinnie’s parents Edwin and Yvonne lost their daughter Karen, 59, in June.
Paying tribute to the conductor on social media, his sister, Elaine McKechnie, wrote: ‘You are in the arms of an angel. Karen will look out for you RIP Bro.’ She added: ‘Two kids nine weeks apart.’
Mr Dinnie’s late sister, who was from Sauchen, Aberdeenshire, reportedly passed away suddenly at home on June 11.
The RMT union also paid tribute to the 58-year-old, who was from Aberdeen. Mick Lynch, the union’s senior assistant general secretary, said: ‘It is absolutely clear that he was much loved and highly respected by all who knew him and his death is a tragedy that has shocked our entire industry. We share the grief of those who were close to Donald.
‘Donald’s branch, Aberdeen, have told me that he was an amazing person. He lit up every room he walked into with his cheery banter and stories.’
Yesterday, as further details of the horror crash emerged, passenger Mr Stuchbury, 62, from Aberdeen, was named as the third victim.
In a statement, his family said: ‘Chris was a much adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, granddad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many.
‘He also volunteered at Roxburghe House (hospice) in Aberdeen during his spare time. We are devastated by his death and we request privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.’
Devastated loved ones and friends also paid tribute online. One said: ‘So sorry, such sad news. Thoughts with you and your family. Sending a big hug.’
Another wrote: ‘Heartbreaking news for such a lovely family.’
NHS Grampian said yesterday that four of those injured in the rail crash have been discharged from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and two remain in hospital. Both were described as in a stable condition.
Yesterday’s tributes came after the Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered their condolences.
At her coronavirus briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her thoughts were with the bereaved families.
She added: ‘No words can ease their pain nor the awful reality that they are now forced to confront. But the hearts of a nation are with them.’
‘A kind, caring and genuine person’ ‘No words can ease their pain’