First picture of tragic Scots teen killed in horror jet ski crash as tributes paid to ‘adventure loving young man’
HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a Scots teen who tragically died in a jet ski crash.
The 18-year-old, named locally as Kyle McLean, was pronounced dead at the scene at Gremista in Lerwick, Shetland on April 22.
The alarm was raised at around 4pm last Tuesday following reports of a jet ski crashing into a pier.
The RNLI Lerwick lifeboat, a coastguard rescue helicopter, fire crews, ambulance teams and police officers raced to the scene.
A 17-year-old boy was also rushed to hospital for treatment after the incident.
A family friend paid tribute to Kyle and described him as “the most energetic” and “adventure loving” teen.
And they have set up a fundraiser to help Kyle’s family following the “huge loss”.
Dawn Hatch, who set up the justgiving page, said: “I’m setting up this fundraiser in Memory of Kyle McLean. The beautiful young man who tragically lost his life in a jet ski accident this week.
“To know Kyle was to love him. He was the most energetic, enthusiastic, family and friend orientated, gym loving, adventure loving, determined, young man.
“He had just returned from his latest explore and had fallen in love with Switzerland. He excitedly told Lily-May and Frankie, and his family, that they have to go and see it too.
“We can only imagine the enormity of the grief the family are experiencing right now.
“We know Kyle was not only Katy’s first born, having him so young, he was her best friend. Their bond was like no other.
“He helped her become the amazing, selfless, adoring mum that she is today, and was so proud of everything she did for them all.
“There are no amount of flowers or gifts that can change anything at this time, but we all want to help, and acknowledge the huge loss to the family, Kyle’s friends, and everyone in the community who knew him.
“I’ve set up this to contribute towards the cost of possibly sending the family to Switzerland one day to a place that captured Kyle’s heart. He wanted them to experience what he did.
“Thank you for any help you’re able to give to make this happen.”
The fundraiser aims to raise a total of £3,000 for the family.
Many people who donated left heartfelt messages and tributes on the page.
One person said: “Sending all my love and hugs. Such a special person.”
Another wrote: “So incredibly sad. Thinking of all the family.”
A third added: “Sending all my love to you all. Such kind soul.”
And a fourth commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking news.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Officers confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances around the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, we were called to a report of a jet ski crashing into a pier at Gremista, Shetland.
“Emergency services attended and an 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family is aware.
“A 17-year-old male youth has been taken to hospital for treatment.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”