Tributes to ‘absolutely fantastic’ grandfather killed when tree hit van during Storm Babet

Painter decorator John Gillian described as ‘loving husband’ after tragic incident near Forfar, Scotland

The family of a grandfather crushed by a falling tree in the high winds of Storm Babet has spoken of their “devastating loss”.

John Gillan, 56, from Arbroath, Scotland was killed when his vehicle was struck near the devastated region of Forfar on Thursday.

Mr Gillan, who is understood to have worked as a painter decorator, died at the scene after his van was hit at 5pm on Thursday becoming the second reported victim of Storm Babet.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of John Gillan, police said (Supplied)

In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: “We are devastated by the loss of John and the circumstances in which he died.

“John was a loving husband to Gaynor, dad to Marc, father-in-law to Natasha, and grandad to Reygan and Finley. He was also a loving son to John and Moira, brother to Wendy and a loving uncle, son-in-law and brother-in-law.

“John will be deeply missed by us all. Thank you to family and friends for supporting us through this indescribably difficult time.

“We’d like to request that our privacy be respected whilst we grieve for John.”

A different car is seen on bridge washed away following yesterday’s torrential rain on October 21, 2023 in Dundee (Getty Images)

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Friends and wellwishers paid tribute to Mr Gillan on Facebook.

Grieg Whitton wrote: “Sincere condolences to all of the Gillan family at this incredibly difficult time.

“John was an absolutely fantastic guy. He will be sorely missed.”

Gillian Bartle added: “Incredibly sad, he really was a gent, fantastic, honest, good, reliable tradesman and doted on family. My thoughts are with them.”

Wendy Taylor, 57, died after being swept into the Water of Lee (PA)

Tributes have also been paid to Wendy Taylor who died after being swept away in a river in Glen Esk in the same devastated region just hours before Mr Gillan on Thursday.

Her family said through Police Scotland: “Wendy was a beautiful, kind, funny and caring person. She was a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

“Wendy was the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally and Susanna and Granny to India and George.”

A Ladybower reservoir plug hole is seen after heavy rain from Storm Babet, Castleton, Britain (REUTERS)

The number of people who have died in incidents linked to deadly Storm Babet rose to at least seven after a woman was found at her home in Derbyshire.

Maureen Gilbert, aged 83, was then found dead by her son and grandson on Saturday after she had desperately tried to flee the water as it entered her house, rising as high as eye-line.

As water swept into the home, her son Paul Gilbert raced to rescue her but couldn’t get there in time.

When he finally arrived after a 7-hour journey the fatal floods meant the house was impossible to reach. He discovered her body on Saturday.

Mr Gilbert told Sky News: “I was hoping she’d got upstairs and everything was alright and that we’d see her the next morning.

“For me to have to come and find her myself was upsetting.

“I can’t put it into words what it means at the moment.”

West Mercia Police said a man in his 60s had also died after getting caught in fast-flowing floodwaters in Shropshire, while two women were killed in a crash on the M4 involving a lorry and four cars, according to the MailOnline, with a teenage driver killed in another crash hours later.