Storm Babet: Man who dies after his car swept away in floodwater in Scotland named by police

A man who died after his car was swept away in floodwater in Aberdeenshire, Scotland during Storm Babet has been named as Peter Pelling. A body and a vehicle were recovered on Monday, October 23 after police received a report of a man being trapped in his car on Friday, October 20. 

In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: "Peter was a very kind, loyal and hardworking man. He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, partner and friend. Our family are absolutely devastated by this horrific and tragic accident.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the first responders and all of the emergency services teams involved in what was a particularly challenging rescue, due to the weather and environmental factors surrounding the incident. Their continued efforts over the past few days has been so greatly appreciated.

“We would like to ask for privacy while we come to terms with this incredible loss.”

Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

This comes as two people in Scotland are known to have died as a result of Storm Babet: John Gillan, 56, who tragically lost his life after a tree struck the van he was driving along the B9127 in Angus, and "ray of sunshine" Wendy Taylor, 57, who died after being swept into the Water of Lee at Glen Esk.

The Met Office has warned that danger from Storm Babet could “last for days” as floods from the “unprecedented” rainfall continue to devastate much of the UK.