Police ScotlandA man has died after plunging into a frozen curling pond in a bid to rescue his pet dog.
The 66-year-old, Iain Morrell, was airlifted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after he was pulled from the water in Bo’ness on Friday afternoon.
He passed away in hospital just hours after the incident.
The dog was also rescued from the pond at Kinneil Woods and left in the care of the Scottish SPCA.
His heartbroken daughter Alana Morrell, 20, described him as ‘a one-in-a-million dad’ and spoke of how much he loved pooch Simba.
She wrote online: “Dad, you were one in a million.
“You would have done anything for anyone, the strongest man.
“I hope I make you proud and I wish I could have had one last chance to thank you for everything throughout these past 20 years.
“You made me the person I am today by showing me to never give up and always do my best.
“I am truly heartbroken that I’ll never hear your voice again or have anyone to reassure me through my worries and troubles or rescue me at 4am.
“No one in this whole entire universe had a dad better than mine.
“He gave me everything and more.
“He went above and beyond for me and he was the best anyone could have asked for, a great role model, an inspiration which I hope lives within me now.
“One last huge thank you for risking your life saving Simba.
“I know how much you loved him and I truly hope a part of you lives within him as you loved him with all your heart, just as much as I do.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.45pm on Friday, February 12, police received report of a man and a dog in the water at the Curling Pond, Kinneil Woods, Bo’ness.
“The man was recovered from the water by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and taken by helimed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he later died.
“The dog was recovered from the water and left in the care of the Scottish SPCA.”
Police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing.
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