The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Body of a teenager recovered from Prestonhill Quarry water
Petition calling for preventative action gains 1,330 names in a matter of hours
Demands for action at a disused Fife quarry have been made after the body of a teenager was recovered.
John McKay, 18, from Kirkcaldy, was among a number of youths who had gathered at Prestonhill Quarry – where another 18-year-old died less than a year ago.
Police yesterday confirmed a body, understood to be that of the former Adam Smith College student, had been found on Thursday night but an official indentification is yet to be released.
An inquiry has been launched to determine the circumstances of the incident, which saw police divers and a helicopter dispatched to the quarry near Inverkeithing around 9.20pm.
Cameron Lancaster, of Burntisland, lost his life in August last year in an ice bucket challenge at the quarry, where youths frequently congregate despite efforts to prevent access.
Pressure is now mounting for action to be taken to prevent another fatality and a petition launched on Thursday night had 1,330 signatures by 2pm yesterday.
It is understood up to three youths jumped into the water to try to rescue Mr McKay but managed to climb out.
There was panic among parents who rushed to the scene to find their own children, who had organised the gathering on social media.
One parent claimed online that her daughter was pushed into the water.
Urging people to sign the petition on Facebook, Vickie Beardmore, of Dunfermline, said: “My daughter got pushed into that quarry last night.
“She is OK but really shaken – but I could have been in the same position as John’s parents.”
Councillor Alice McGarry, who lives close to the Prestonhill Quarry and saw the emergency response, said: “This is absolutely dreadful. The only saving grace is the other kids got out and it wasn’t a multiple tragedy.
“The response from the emergency services was incredible. I have never seen so many fire engines, ambulances and police cars in my life but ultimately it was too late.”
A spokeswoman for Fife College said: “We can confirm that John McKay was a student at our former Adam Smith College from 2012 to 2013, when he attended a full-time NQ Employability and Work Skills course.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to John’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Tributes were paid to Mr McKay on his Facebook page yesterday.
One youngster, who was at the quarry, told how he tried to help Mr McKay but was held back. He posted “l ove you brer”.
Another wrote: “Rip bro canny believe your gone gonna miss you so much fly high my bright star.”