Tributes to ‘most decent and loving human being’
The family of train driver Brett Mccullough have spoken of losing the “most decent and loving human being” in the Stonehaven rail tragedy.
Mr Mccullough, a father of three, died when his Aberdeen to Glasgow-bound train derailed on Wednesday morning following a night of torrential rain and thunder storms.
Originally from Kent, the train driver joined Scotrail seven years ago after a career as a gas fitter .
A statement from his wife Stephanie and children said: “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. We would like to thank the emergency services for their heroic efforts in helping everyone affected by this tragedy and for all the messages of support and condolence.”
Mr Mccullough, 45, lived not far from the crash scene and worked out of the Aberdeen depot.
Kevin Lindsay, Aslef ’s organiser in Scotland, said: “The tragic accident at Stonehaven has affected everyone in the railway family, but especially the family and friends of the three people who died, and the six people who were injured.
“Brett was originally from Bromley, in Kent, but moved to Aberdeenshire to marry Stephanie. He worked as a gas fitter up here, and was servicing the boiler of an Aberdeen train driver in 2011 when they started to talk about the railway, and about driving trains.
“Brett was fascinated by what he heard, 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.
“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 all thought the world of him.”
Mr Lindsay also paid tribute to conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, from Aberdeen, who also died. The three fatalities were among 12 people on board the train at the time of the derailment.
Mr Dinnie was described as a “much loved and highly respected” by all who knew him and that his death had shocked the industry.
Mick Lynch, Senior Assistant General Secretary of RMT Union, said: “On behalf of the union I want to send condolences, support and solidarity to Donald Dinnie’s family, friends and colleagues.
“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 1, have told me that he was an amazing person. He lit up every room he walked into with his cheery banter and stories.
“Many knew Donald for most of his railway career as a driver and a guard. He was very much a family man and a valued, active and proud member of the RMT. His loss has cast a long shadow over his branch, his Region and the whole national union.
“Our thoughts at this time are also with the driver,brett Mccullough, a member of our sister union Aslef, and the passenger who also lost their lives in yesterday’s incident. RMT will continue to provide whatever support we can to Donald’s family and colleagues at this terrible time. We are united in both our grief and our determination to ensure that safety on our railways remains the absolute priority.”