Family and friends of a young man whose body was found at the foot of cliffs near Arbroath say they have been devastated by the weekend tragedy.
Coastguard teams from Arbroath, Montrose and Carnoustie were involved in the operation to recover the body of Gary Kearns after a member of the public raised the alarm following the discovery of personal items in the Seaton Den area shortly after noon on Sunday.
The 25-year-old, originally from Bolton, had been working in Dundee and his family has been shattered by the popular young man’s decision to end his life on the Angus coast.
As they continue to come to terms with the loss, Gary’s uncle, Keith Hilton, told The Courier the memories they will hold on to are those of a well-travelled, caring and thoughtful son, brother, nephew and friend.
He also spoke of a recent happy family gathering in Perth and said there were no indications at all of the troubles which Gary may have been harbouring.
“We are all completely devastated and at a loss as to why this has happened. He was so happy and had so many friends he just seemed to love his life,” said Mr Hilton.
Gary moved north some years ago and was schooled in Perth before going on to college.
“His grandmother, Valerie Greenhalgh, had cared for Gary over the past 20 years and he had looked up to her as a mother, rather than a grandmother.
“Valerie doted on Gary and is absolutely devastated by his loss, as they were very close,” Keith added.
Gary had travelled his way around Europe last year and was planning further foreign adventures. Latterly, he wasunemployed but had previously lived and worked in Broughty Ferry.
“His ambition was to go to SouthAmerica but he had many friends in places like Spain and many messages of support have come in from those he met abroad,” Keith said.
“He would always think of others before himself and what has broken my heart is that I received a birthday card from him for my 58th birthday on Monday, which he would have taken the time to send before the weekend.
“That was the type of young man he was, always considering others.He was a lovely young man and that’s what makes this all the more tragic.”
He added: “We got together the week before last for a family gathering in Perth and had a really good time.I will always remember sitting through into the wee small hours, chatting away as a family.”
Gary is survived by his mother Jane, father Mark and younger brother, Michael.