Tributes for teen paddleboarder who died in Fife country park

Auchmuty High School pupil Alexander McNab, 15, will be 'greatly missed by pupils and staff alike'.

By Andrew Robson

June 30 2025, 5:59pm

Alexander McNab. Image: Police Scotland

Tributes have been paid to a teenage paddleboarder who died at a country park in Fife.

A major search was launched at Lochore Meadows, near Crosshill, on Saturday evening after Alexander McNab, 15, went missing while paddleboarding.

Emergency crews, including the coastguard, remained in the area throughout the weekend.

Sadly, Alexander’s body was recovered from the water on Sunday.

Alexander’s family paid tribute to their “much-loved son” in a statement on Monday.

Hundreds pay tribute to Alexander McNab

Auchmuty High School also paid tribute to the teen, who will be “missed by pupils and staff alike”.

Head teacher Pam Davie said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex, a much-loved member of our school community.

“He will be greatly missed by pupils and staff alike.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times.”

Tributes were also posted for the 15-year-old on social media.

Emergency services at Lochore Meadows on Saturday. Image: Neil Henderson/DC Thomson

The Police Scotland Fife post received more than 1,000 comments and 9,000 reactions in just four hours.

Gillian Adamson wrote: “I don’t know this boy or his family, but I’ve not been able to stop thinking of him.

“I can’t even imagine what his family and friends are going through. It makes me realise how much we take life for granted.

“I hope the family and all involved get all the support they need.”

While Ainslie Peters added: “Thoughts are with his family and also with Loch Ore staff members who were there, the 999 call handlers, police, ambulance, fire and coastguard personnel.”

Keira Gunn said Alexander “was such a nice boy”.

‘Heartbreaking’ tributes to Fife teen Alexander McNab

“My heart goes out to his family and friends,” she added.

And Tracey Ramsay wrote: “So sad, this is heartbreaking news.

“Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. RIP young man.”

Meanwhile, on The Courier Facebook page, Mandy Ross wrote: “Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. RIP Alexander.”

Fife Council’s executive director of communities, Michael Enston, also expressed his sadness and sympathy.

He added: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the events at Lochore Meadows.”

The Courier understands Alexander was not taking part in any activity run by Fife Council’s Lochore Meadows team and was part of a group using their own equipment.