A distraught Dundee family have told of their devastation at losing a son who lit up their lives.
Neil Smith, of Thornbank Street, died after it is believed he was in a collision with a vehicle on the A90 Perth to Dundee dual carriageway near Kinfauns at around 4.30am on Saturday.
The 32-year-old, a scene of crime officer with the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA), had been heading to a friend’s house in the St Madoes area following a night out in Perth when the tragedy took place.
Relatives who gathered at the family home on Sunday were struggling to come to terms with their loss.
Neil’s heartbroken parents June and Ian Smith and his siblings Kevin and Kelly paid tribute to their much-loved son and brother.
Ian (62) said his son was popular with everyone he met and the whole family was extremely proud of him.
“He was a very happy chap, he was always smiling,” he said. “He just brought a smile to everybody he was in company with. We are all just devastated.”
Shocked colleagues from the SPSA were among those called out to investigate the accident in the early hours of Saturday morning. However, a police spokesman said officers from Fife Constabulary were called in to complete the investigation when the identity of the deceased was established.
Neil’s mother June (59) said the former Harris Academy pupil was passionate about his job and had a love for travelling and playing sports, including golf and cycling.
“He really loved his job,” she said. “He was always learning and doing courses for his work. He loved it.”
His sister Kelly, who is studying for a masters in New York, flew home immediately after being told the distressing news.
“I just got back from New York,” she said. “My dad had to phone me and tell me what happened. We were all really close.”
She added, “He wouldn’t have wanted us to be sad, that wasn’t the type of person he was. He was such a lovely guy. He really will be sorely missed by everyone.”
Neil attended Harris Academy and later gained an honours degree in geography at Dundee University.
Eager to fulfil lifelong dreams of a flying career, Neil joined the Royal Navy after graduating in the hope of becoming a helicopter pilot. However, after a stint based on a ship, he opted to leave the forces and spent 14 months travelling to countries around the world, including Australia, Cambodia and Thailand.
Upon his return to the UK Neil moved to London, where he briefly worked in computing before moving into the forensics field with the Metropolitan Police.
After several years in London he returned home when he was transferred to a scene of crime officer position with the SPSA.Our amazing friendDozens of tributes to Neil have flooded social networking sites, with heartbroken friends expressing their sadness. His close friend Emir Taha posted a message on Facebook saying, “It is with a deeply broken heart that I’ve to let you know that our amazing friend Neil Smith was so cruelly taken from us this morning. Neil’s parents had asked that the devastating news came from me… RIP Bro.”
Another post read, “Such sad news. Still can’t believe it. Neil you were one of life’s great guys, always smiling and you will be sorely missed. My thoughts go to your family. Lots of love xx”
Head of Tayside Police road policing unit Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman said inquiries into the incident were ongoing but said the death is not being treated as a hit and run.
“Neil’s body was found on the carriageway at 4.30am by passing lorry drivers,” he said. “Inquiries are at an early stage and we have already traced a number of witnesses who were on the road at the time.
“However, it is vitally important that we speak to every driver who was travelling in the area around the time Neil was discovered to get in touch with us. It’s possible that those drivers may have important information for us.
“We also need to speak to anyone who may have seen any pedestrian or pedestrians walking on or adjacent to the carriageway in the area in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
“At this stage it would appear that Neil has walked from Perth city centre but we would be keen to hear from any taxi drivers or anyone else who may have given him a lift to the area.”
He added, “Our thoughts are with Neil’s family and his colleagues at the Scottish Police Services Authority at this very sad time.”
The A90 eastbound was immediately closed to all traffic to allow crash investigators to examine the scene. Motorists heading for Dundee were diverted through Fife, causing lengthy delays.
Football supporters making their way north to the Aberdeen-Hearts game at Pittodrie also contributed to the tailbacks leading to and on to the Tay Road Bridge.
Anyone who remembers seeing Neil walking on the A90 on Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday morning should contact police on 0300 111 2222.