Police are believed to have taken three days to find the body of a missing OAP after his car triggered a 999 call when it crashed. Tragic 86-year-old John Winton McNab was discovered on the remote A887 road near Invermoriston, Inverness-shire.
It’s understood police officers were dispatched to the area where the emergency call came from but they couldn’t locate John’s grey Mercedes. When they eventually found it 48 hours later on Sunday, the pensioner had passed away – sparking memories of the tragic deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill, who lay undiscovered for days despite police being alerted.
John’s death is now being investigated by watchdog the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), which will report its findings to the Crown Office. He was reported missing from Perth at about noon on Friday, September 16.
It is understood his car sent the SOS call two days after the alarm was raised over his disappearance. A source said: “When the car crashed, it automatically dialled 999 as per the technology that has been installed since 2017 in all new cars.
“Despite officers searching, it took three days for the car to be located, by which point the gentleman had passed away.”
John’s family said: “We would like to thank everyone involved in the search to trace Winton, these efforts are greatly appreciated by the family.”
In 2015, Lamara and partner John died after lying for three days in their vehicle. Police failed to respond to a call telling them the pair’s car had gone down an embankment from the M9 and crashed.
Lamara’s son Kieran’s grandad, James McMillan said: “This sounds like a terrible tragedy for another family which of course brings back dreadful memories for us. I’m staggered by the similarities.
“Obviously, however, we do not know the circumstances surrounding this incident and I hope a full and frank investigation is being carried out while the family are being supported.”
After the discovery of John’s body, the road was closed for more than five hours, while an investigation was carried out at the crash site.
Sergeant David Miller from the Highland and Islands Road Policing Unit said: “Our inquiries into the circumstances of what happened are under way and our thoughts are with John’s family and friends.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen John’s grey Mercedes B class between Friday, September 16, and Sunday, September 18, to contact police.”
A spokeswoman for PIRC said: “We are investigating the circumstances around the death of a 86-year-old man near Inverness under the instruction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland added: “The matter has been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further.”
Earlier this year, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Police Scotland pled guilty to health and safety failings which led to Lamara and John’s deaths.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry is scheduled to take place but no firm date has been announced. Police Scotland has also set up an inquiry team to cooperate with the FAI.
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