Families 'heartbroken' after couple killed in Aberdeenshire car crash

Two families are “devastated” and “heartbroken” after a young couple were killed in a car crash in Aberdeenshire.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a collision on the A952 between Toll of Birness and Mintlaw at Clola at around 7.25pm on Saturday.

The incident involved a grey Land Rover Evoque and a black Vauxhall Corsa.

Jay Morrison, the passenger in the Corsa, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Bethany Wilson, the driver of the Corsa, was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she was pronounced dead; both were aged 24.

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

Jay’s family described the 24-year-old as a “truly incredible young man”.

His 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.”

Bethany’s family stated that the music-lover was getting ready for a new job and “planning for the future alongside her partner Jay”.

They 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.

“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.”

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing.

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.

“Our investigation into the collision is ongoing and I would again ask anyone who has any information surrounding the collision that hasn’t already spoken to Police to contact us on 101 quoting incident number 2697 of Saturday, December 6, 2025.”