Heartbroken families pay tribute to ‘beautiful’ young couple killed in crash

The families of a couple who died following a two-vehicle crash have said they are “heartbroken” and “devastated” at their loss.

Jay Morrison and Bethany Wilson, both 24, died following the collision on the A952 between Toll of Birness and Mintlaw at Clola in Aberdeenshire.

The crash took place on Saturday at about 7.25pm and involved the couple’s black Vauxhall Corsa and a grey Land Rover Evoque.

Police said that Mr Morrison, the passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene while Ms Wilson, the driver, was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she was later pronounced dead.

The occupants of the Evoque, a 62-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman, were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment, and two boys, aged seven and five were also taken to hospital as a precaution.

Both families have paid tribute to the couple.

In a statement released via Police Scotland, Mr Morrison’s family said: “We are utterly heartbroken and devastated beyond words at the loss of our only son Jay.

“He was a brilliant, strong, handsome, charismatic, kind, and truly incredible young man whose smile literally lit up every room.

“Jay had an incredible sense of humour, he was a philosopher who saw the world from many perspectives and had a beautiful soul as well as a beautiful mind.

“He was an adventurer at heart with a love for travelling and experiencing everything the world had to offer.

“Jay had huge plans for his future alongside his beautiful Bethany. Their love for each other was profound and absolute, the kind of rare once in a lifetime devotion that touched everyone who knew them. Our lives will never be the same without them.”

Ms Wilson’s family said: “Bethany went to Longside Primary School and Ellon Academy, where she played the cello with lots of different musical groups.

“She went on to study for a masters degree in product design and innovation at the University of Strathclyde, before taking a job with Walker’s. She had been about to start a new role with Joseph Robertson in Aberdeen.

“Bethany was an extraordinary young woman who touched the lives of so many in the short time we were blessed to have her with us.

“From her passion for design to her love of music, she embraced life with energy and joy, and had worked incredibly hard for her achievements.”

They added: “We are comforted by the thought that she had been so happy when we last saw her, looking forward to starting a new job, and planning for the future alongside her partner, Jay.

“We are devastated to have lost her but feel privileged to have shared our lives with her.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all those who have helped us through this terrible time, including all the emergency services who did everything they could for our precious daughter.”

Sergeant Pete Henderson, of the North East road policing unit, said “Our thoughts remain with Jay and Bethany’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2697 of Saturday December 6 2025.