'Whole of Keith in shock' as 18-year-old footballer Stuart Begg named by police as A96 crash victim
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KEITH townsfolk have been left "in shock" after a crash claimed the life of a local "topper of a lad" – the second fatality on the A96 near Keith within a fortnight.
Former Keith Grammar School pupil Stuart Begg, who was just 18, was named today by police as the victim of a two-vehicle crash at Blackhillock, between Keith and Huntly, on Monday, July 26.
Stuart's Ford Fiesta was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van. The three occupants of the van – aged 23, 28 and 19 – were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Two have since been discharged. The 23-year-old remains in a stable but critical condition.
Stuart was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragic loss comes in the wake of a crash at the town on Thursday, July 15, in which a 69-year-old biker died.
A flood of tributes were posted on social media to tough Macduff AFC defender Stuart, who not only won the respect of many in local footballing circles, but who was known for his friendly smile and as someone who always made time for others.
Councillor Theresa Coull (Keith and Cullen) said: "The whole town of Keith are in shock after hearing about the death of Stuart Begg due to a road traffic accident on the A96 just outside Keith on Monday evening.
"The loss of a young life is devastating and the majority of people in Keith will have either known Stuart as a keen footballer, a friend or will know a member of his family.
"My thoughts go out to his immediate family, all his friends and his extended family whose lives will never be the same again without Stuart.
"This has happened so soon just after a man died on the same road on July 15, although that was in different circumstances it is also heartbreaking for his family, friends and his biker friends.
"I wish the occupants of the other vehicle involved a speedy recovery."
Known affectionately as "Beggy" or "Sbegg" to his Macduff AFC teammates, Stuart was key to the club's rise since the start of the season.
The club's games were cancelled for the week as a mark of respect. Macduff AFC said: "He was only with us since the beginning of this season but his influence, both on and off the pitch, was a massive factor in our improvement.
"The tough defender joined from Vales development and from the get-go immediately became one of our core members on the pitch and in our WhatsApp group.
"He always had a joke to crack and a smile on his face. This is why we took him into our hearts so quickly and why this hurts so much.
"We would like to pass our thoughts and prayers onto his family and friends during this difficult time.
"As a mark of respect the club will retire the number 24 Jersey.
"RIP Stuart Begg #24."
Moray and Banff Referee Association said Stuart was well known in the local and football community, adding that he was a "friendly and full-of-life lad".
The association added: "Stuart completed the referee course a couple of seasons ago and passed with flying colours before returning to doing what he loved and playing with local clubs including Turriff, Deveronvale and most recently, Macduff AFC.
"All of us here are shocked at the news and pass our sincere condolences to Stuart's family, friends and teammates."
Stuart played for Deveronvale Community Football Club at youth level, where he was awarded for his commitment.
They were among the many other local clubs to express their shock and sadness, saying: "Stuart was a popular and likeable lad amongst the squads he was involved in, talented with a great sense of humour.
"Stuart also gave up his time to support coaches at other age groups too.
"In his time at the club he received the Jay Galloway trophy which acknowledged Stuart’s commitment to the club.
"Our thoughts are with Stuart’s family, friends and teammates at this very sad time.
"Once a Colts legend … always a Colts legend!"
Turriff United Youth Football Club added: "Stuart played with our 2002's and was such a great character in the team.
"He always had a smile on his face and was such a cheeky chappy.
"A lovely loon taken far too soon."
Police Scotland issued an appeal for witnesses or for anyone who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.
Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, from Police Scotland's Road Policing Division, said: "Road policing officers continue to investigate each of these road collisions on the A96 to establish the full circumstances and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those who have died.
"Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads is a priority for Police Scotland and we work closely with our partners to help make roads safer for all road users, and encourage safe and responsible driving.
"Officers patrol this busy route with marked and unmarked vehicles, along with police motorcycles, and will carry out any enforcement action required.
"We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe. I would urge all drivers and motorcyclists to drive safely and consider other road users, traffic volume and road conditions, and always drive within the speed limit."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 3280 of July 26.
