THE HEARTBROKEN dad of a tragic Angus teenager has described his son as “one in a million.”
Ryan Simpson died at the age of 18 last week after he succumbed to injuries suffered in an accident on the A90 by Forfar just days earlier.
Dad Dave (36) said the family are still struggling to come to terms with Ryan’s death but have been touched by the support they have received.
Dave said: “He was one in a million. He was an awful likeable guy. From a young age he always had a smile on his face and kept everybody else smiling.”
Ryan, who lived with his mum Jackie, went to Forfar Academy and Angus College before getting a job at Scot Steel Buildings of Birkenbush near the town.
Following the tragedy, 10 of Ryan’s closest friends got his name tattooed on their right shoulders with a heart beside his name.
They got the tattoo before a remembrance service in Forfar on Friday night which saw 250 people pack into the East and Old Church.
Afterwards they took off their tops to show Dave, Jackie and his sister Megan (20).
Dave said: “His pals have been unbelievable since Ryan was taken to hospital.
“They would turn up from early morning until late at night to see him when he was in intensive care. Ryan was lucky to have so many great friends they kept our spirits up.
“When they took off their tops on Friday and showed us the tattoos I really couldn’t believe it. It was a fantastic tribute and I decided they needed an 11th player for Ryan’s dream team so I got one myself.”
Dave said the family would also like to thank the trauma team and staff at the intensive care unit for everything they did.
He said: “I don’t know how we would have coped without the support we’ve been given by so many people.
“Young and old have been phoning and texting me since the accident and we’ve taken great comfort from that.
“People I didn’t know have got in touch to pass on their condolences and the support has been quite overwhelming.”
Dave said his son was a polite and hard-working young man who loved football and his car.
He also leaves behind his half-brother Gary and Ryan’s girlfriend Daniella.
The Rev Barbara Ann Sweetin conducted Friday’s service for Ryan and said it gave the friends and family an outlet for their grief.
She added: “Everyone was also given a candle which was lit during the service while a prayer was said and a time of remembrance of Ryan when he was alive and among us.”
Ryan also played for Letham Lads Club. A club spokesman said he was a great lad to have had around the club.
Inquiries into the crash are continuing.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk