The Shetland Islands are in mourning after a teenage boy died in a tragic jet ski accident near Lerwick, Scotland’s northernmost town.
Kyle McLean, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene after the jet ski he was riding crashed into a pier at Gremista marina on April 22. A 17-year-old boy, also involved in the crash, was rushed to the hospital but survived.
Police Scotland confirmed that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
‘To Know Kyle Was to Love Him’
A family friend, Dawn Hatch, paid tribute to Kyle through an emotional post on a JustGiving fundraising page, describing him as a “beautiful young man” whose life was tragically cut short.
“He was the most energetic, enthusiastic, family and friend-orientated, gym-loving, adventure-loving, determined young man,” Hatch wrote.
“To know Kyle was to love him.”
Kyle had recently returned from a trip to Switzerland, a country he had “fallen in love with,” adding yet another layer of poignancy to the loss felt by family and friends.
A Community Comes Together
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Hatch launched a fundraising campaign to help Kyle’s family travel to Switzerland — a place he had cherished — to honor his memory.
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Fundraising goal: £3,000
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Raised so far: £2,750
The money raised is seen as a way to offer Kyle’s grieving family, especially his mother Katy, a chance to find some solace during an unimaginable time.
“We know Kyle was not only Katy’s first born, having him so young, he was her best friend,” Hatch wrote.
“Their bond was like no other.”
She added that while no material support can ease the family’s pain, the outpouring of love reflects the immense impact Kyle had on everyone who knew him.
Police Continue Investigation
The collision took place at around 4 p.m. at Gremista marina, a working harbour near Lerwick on the Shetland mainland. The exact circumstances leading up to the crash have not yet been confirmed publicly.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward as they piece together what happened.
The Loss Felt Beyond Shetland
Although geographically remote, Shetland’s close-knit communities feel such losses deeply. Kyle’s death has resonated far beyond Lerwick, as tributes pour in from across Scotland.
In a region where life often revolves around the sea, the tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the usually bustling harbour, reminding many of the delicate balance between the thrill of maritime adventure and its inherent risks.
