A superfit Scots doctor died after having a heart attack while swimming in a loch.
Mike Wilson, 46, was pulled from Lochindorb in Grantown-on-Spey at around 12.55am on Thursday, August 18. It's understood Mike, known as Kippy to pals, was training for a triathlon when he died.
The dad-of-two was reported missing as emergency services were called out to search the water, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Mike, from Aberdeen, was a doctor at Dr Grays Hospital in Elgin and leaves behind his heartbroken wife and two daughters.
His sudden passing has devastated his loved ones. His best friend Mike Watson lead the tributes to the 'legend' as he launched a fundraiser in his memory.
Speaking to the Record, Mike said: "He was the most incredible friend who would bend over backwards for those he cared about, and I consider myself one of the lucky ones who got to be a part of his life.
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"He was the friend I could call at three in the morning and would pick up, just as I would him.
"He had a great sense of humour, humanity and sense of adventure.
"He would call on a Saturday with the most ridiculous proposition. 'Hey, lets go climb a Munro today... Hey, let's go dog surfing in winter... Hey let's go jump out and cycle 100 miles'. Whatever it was, I was always up for the adventure - albeit I sometimes needed a little prodding.
"But what made him so different was that even if he was in the room and we were not speaking, I felt inspired - and privileged in knowing he had my back.
"He was a legend. A brother from another mother and I cannot believe he isn't here."
Mike hopes to raise funds for his best mate's funeral and had planned a one-day 151-mile cycle in his memory from Whitby to Blackpool using Kippy's bike.
Mike said: "He touched the lives of many, and it’s our turn to give back to his family in their time of need.
"In true 'Kippy' fashion, he thought he would live forever and made no preparations for his future. Due to the sudden death, I am raising funds to assist his family with funeral, memorial and legal expenses.
"As my cycling trainer, partner and general therapist, I will be cycling from Whitby to Blackpool 151 miles in one day - I hope to do this on Mike's bike."
The crowdfunder has already raised £2,200 of a £5,000 target.
Ross West said: "Utterly shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Mike, he had such a zest for life and has left so many happy memories with so many people around the world."
Nicola Lally said: "Mike was a top bloke and fantastic colleague. He will be sorely missed in A&E."
Greg Winter added: "I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Mike’s death. He was a great colleague and mentor to myself and many of us within the ambulance service. He will be greatly missed."
To donate to the fundraiser for Kippy and help support his family following the sudden death, click here.
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