A police officer heading to the scene of the horrific crash that killed two people was told by his colleagues that his wife was one of the victims.
Emergency services were called early on Tuesday morning to the three-vehicle crash, which saw two cars and a van collide on the A75 in Dumfriesshire.
Police confirmed yesterday that the driver of the Nissan, Melissa Delaney, 41, and a 35-year-old man who was driving the van were pronounced dead at the scene.
It is understood Ms Delaney’s husband, a traffic police officer, was on his way to the incident before discovering his wife was involved.
Police confirmed yesterday that the driver of the Nissan, Melissa Delaney, 41 (pictured), and a 35-year-old man who was driving the van were pronounced dead at the scene.
The scene of the accident on the A75 in Dumfriesshire where Melissa Delaney died
The families of both victims have been informed, Police Scotland said yesterday.
Tributes have poured in for nurse Mrs Delaney, who lived in Dumfries.
She had been involved with the Dumfries Baton Twirlers (DBT) club for almost 15 years and was an active member of their fundraising committee.
The club sent its “deepest condolences” to her family, saying the mother was “one of the best supporters of all our members and was very proud of her two daughters.”
The message continued: ‘All athletes, parents and supporters of our club are suffering today. “We can’t imagine any competition or trip will ever be the same.”
Club member Abbie Davidson said: “At DBT we are one big family, and it’s not until something tragic like this happens that you realize how lucky you are to be surrounded by such a strong and supportive group of people.”
‘Our family will never be the same without you Mel.
“You have raised such strong, beautiful and talented girls who will continue to be an absolute credit to you.”
Others on social media have also paid tribute to Mrs Delaney.
One post said she would be “truly missed” by everyone and that she was a “beautiful person inside and out.”
Others described their anguish over the death.
One post said she would be “truly missed” by everyone and that she was a “beautiful person inside and out.”
Sarah Wilson, who said Mrs Delaney was her childhood neighbour, called the death “horrible”. She said: ‘This news has destroyed many people’s lives and shows how loved she really was. I have nothing but happy memories of her and I will never forget that endless smile on her face.
The identity of the 35-year-old man who died has not been released. The driver of the other vehicle, 49, was uninjured.
Highway police inspector Adnan Alam said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who died and everyone involved in the collision.
“We continue to offer them support as our investigations continue.” Emergency services were called at around 6.20am to the scene of the horrific crash on the A75, near the B721, in Annan.
The crash involved a Peugeot Boxer van, a Nissan Qashqai and a Renault Clio, police said.
Alam said: “I would love to speak to anyone who saw what happened or anyone who has dashcam footage from the A75 at the time.” Please review your footage and let us know anything of importance.’