Tragedy dad in tribute to ‘best friend’
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A WICK father who lost his only child in a tragic car crash on Sunday night has paid tribute to "the best son and the best friend in the world".
Christopher Durrand (17), from Wick, died in the accident near Bower, while a passenger, Graham Sutherland, remains in hospital.
Christopher’s father, George Durrand, who owns Oldwick Garage in Roxburgh Road, said not only was Christopher he and partner Valerie Henderson’s only son but he was their closest friend.
"We had a working relationship, a father-son relationship and he was our best friend," said Mr Durrand.
"We were tied at the hip. To get taken away from us at just 17 is just totally unbelievable. I just wish he was still here."
Mr Durrand said Christopher – known as CD to his friends – was highly respected and dedicated to the garage where he worked alongside him.
"He lived for cars," said Mr Durrand. "Since the boy could walk he was up at the garage after school. He’s our only son and there is no future without him."
There has been an outpouring of public sympathy since the crash which happened on the B876 road at Hastigrow Bridge.
Lead investigator Sergeant Norman Macleod, of Northern Constabulary’s road policing unit in Dingwall, explained the silver Ford Fiesta being driven by Christopher – who had recently passed his test – left the road while travelling towards Wick at around 7.15pm. It is understood the car clipped the bridge and came off the road before crossing Seater Burn and hitting a tree.
The collision was discovered by police officers. Fire crews helped free the passenger of the car, Mr Sutherland (18), of Ackergill Crescent, Wick, from the wreckage.
Former Wick High pupil Mr Sutherland is in the second year of his four-year apprenticeship as a joiner with the Highland Council. He works with the building maintenance team in Wick and was due to start a month at college on Monday.
As the Courier went to press yesterday, he was said to be in a stable condition at Caithness General Hospital.
Floral tributes and written messages have been left by family and friends at the scene of the crash.
Mr Durrand said tributes on social-networking sites are helping his family through this difficult time.
"That has been a great help to us," he said. "His social life was his social life and as a parent I never interfered. So it’s just amazing now to find out how he lived.
"He didn’t drink, he didn’t smoke and he was against drugs. He was just an honest, hard-working boy."
The accident closed the road for around 15 hours as a full investigation was carried out.
Chief Inspector Matthew Reiss explained Mr Durrand’s garage is one of only two garages in Caithness which is contracted by the force to recover vehicles involved in accidents.
"A lot of officers knew Christopher’s dad because of his garage’s contract to recover vehicles," he said. "And I’m sure local police officers and staff would simply want to pass on their sympathy to Christopher’s parents and other family members at such a devastating time."
Wick High School rector Thomas McIntyre said it was "another tragic accident" on local roads.
"On behalf of the pupils and staff I can only offer my sincerest condolences to the family," he said. "Our hearts are with them after these tragic circumstances."
Wick Highland councillor Graeme Smith offered his condolences. "It’s always tragic when you see the loss of a young life," he said.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward – they are being asked to contact Wick police on 01955 603551 or the force road policing unit in Dingwall.
"It is a genuine appeal just to speak to anyone that may have witnessed the crash," said Sgt Macleod.
"We would be keen to speak to anyone with any information or anyone that was in the area at the time to see if they noticed anything untoward."
