A police investigation has been launched after former Lockerbie Academy pupil Dean McGurty died last Thursday morning in Annan.
Meanwhile, his devastated friends have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes and started a fundraising page to help cover his funeral costs.
And their actions have touched his family who live in Lockerbie, including mum Lorraine Davison, stepdad Keith, siblings Robert, Martin, Phillipa and Phoebe and nephew Ellis.
Sister Phillipa said: “It is lovely, he was cared and loved by so many. It’s amazing everyone working together to give him a lovely send off.”
Mum Lorraine added: “Dean was a loving son, brother and uncle who will be sadly missed but never forgotten by his family and friends.
“He is now with his dad, Kevin McGurty, and the angels. He will always be loved. Rest in peace Dean.”
The Dean McGurty Funeral Memorial Fund was created by his best friend Jade Thompson in a bid to raise £2500. She described Dean as a ‘gentle, loving soul who always looked out for other people before himself’.
Dean’s sudden death last Thursday was followed just hours later by the death of 23-year-old Ross McMinn, also in Annan.
Detective Inspector Scott Young said: “For the deaths of these young people to occur in similar circumstances, in a short period of time and in a small geographical area, is unusual. “We are keeping an open mind at the moment.”
And police have confirmed a 32-year-old woman also died suddenly in Ecclefechan last Monday.
She was found at Castle Break at 12.25 pm. Her death is said to be unexplained.
Read the full story in today’s Annandale Herald.
■ To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/dean-mcgurty-funeralmemorial-fund
