Father-of-two, 60, who helped search for survivors after the Clutha police helicopter crash in Glasgow which killed 10 people dies from coronavirus
A hero who helped search for survivors after the Clutha police helicopter crash in Glasgow which killed 10 people has died from coronavirus.
Stuart Ballantyne, 60, searched the wrecked pub with rescue dogs after a police helicopter crashed through the roof of the bar in Glasgow in 2013, killing three helicopter crew and seven customers.
The father-of-two and grandfather from Falkirk died on Monday, November 9 from coronavirus.
Stuart Ballantyne, a hero who searched the wrecked Clutha pub with rescue dogs for survivors, has died of coronavirus on Monday aged 60
Ten people died when a police helicopter crashed through the roof of the crowded bar in Glasgow in 2013
Three crew members and seven customers died when the Police Scotland aircraft fell on to the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow at after 10pm on November 29, 2013.
A further 31 people were injured in the horrific crash.
Mr Ballantyne, who founded Trossachs Search and Rescue 22 years ago, helped in the emergency response.
The dedicated rescuer founded was working with them when he scoured the scene of the tragedy looking for survivors.
Clutha landlord Alan Crossan said: 'He came in with the dogs to search for survivors in the aftermath.
'Stuart would always come down to the Clutha with the dogs for different presentations and on the anniversary of the crash.
'He was a really nice man.'
Photo shows helicopter G-SPAO taken on the roof of the Clutha Vaults Bar in Glasgow on 1 December 2013
There were more than 100 people were at the pub when the helicopter crashed as it was returning to its base on the banks of the River Clyde.
One eyewitness who gave evidence at the FAI told how the helicopter made a 'spluttering noise' before it fell from the sky, while another said it sounded like a car stalling.
The inquiry concluded the crash happened after the helicopter's engines flamed out sequentially while it was airborne, as a result of fuel starvation due to depletion of the contents of the supply tank.
The accident was caused by Captain David Traill's failure to ensure that at least one of the fuel transfer pump switches was set to on, the inquiry found.
There were more than 100 people were at the pub when the helicopter crashed as it was returning to its base on the banks of the River Clyde. Pictured: Police cover the helicopter and the roof of the scene
Gregg Marshall, a colleague of Mr Ballantyne at Trossachs Search and Rescue, said: 'I think the whole team would be happy for me to say that he will be sadly missed.
'Stuart played a huge part in the formation of the team in 1998 and has remained a team member throughout, having served in many roles including Chairman, Secretary and Callout Organiser and had numerous search dogs throughout his time.
'Stuart was not only a team member he was a colleague, friend, mentor and often thought of as part of everyone's family.
'We are completely saddened by his loss.'
Stuart joined Central Scotland Police in 1981 and performed frontline operational police duties from 1981 to 2004 before transferring to Community Safety Policy Unit until he retired as Sergeant in February 2011.
It was during his career in Central Scotland Police that he created Trossachs Search and Rescue Team in the late 1990s.
A JustGiving page has been set up in memory of Stuart Ballantyne with donations going to Trossachs Search and Rescue, which he dedicated his life to.
Paying tribute to Stuart on the page, Alex Wilson wrote: 'If not for the selfless work done by Stuart and many others, I would not be writing this now. Bless you and rest in peace.'
What happened in the Clutha helicopter crash?
What happened?
A Police Scotland aircraft fell on to the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow at after 10pm on November 29, 2013.
Ten people were killed and a further 31 people were injured in the horrific crash.
There were more than 100 people were at the pub when the helicopter crashed as it was returning to its base on the banks of the River Clyde.
One eyewitness who gave evidence at the FAI told how the helicopter made a 'spluttering noise' before it fell from the sky, while another said it sounded like a car stalling.
Names and pictures of the victims:
Three crew members and seven customers died in the crash.
Helicopter pilot and captain David Trail died along with police officers Kirsty Nelis and Tony Collins.
Pub-goers Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson and Mark O'Prey, Samuel McGhee, Robert Jenkins and John McGarrigle all died in the crash.
Joe Cusker (not pictured) died in hospital shortly after the disaster.
Top row: Helicopter pilot David Trail with police officers Kirsty Nelis and Tony Collins. Middle row: Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson and Mark O'Prey. Bottom row: Samuel McGhee, Robert Jenkins and John McGarrigle. Joe Cusker (not pictured) died in hospital shortly after the disaster
Findings of the inquiry?
The inquiry concluded the crash happened after the helicopter's engines flamed out sequentially while it was airborne, as a result of fuel starvation due to depletion of the contents of the supply tank.
The accident was caused by Captain David Traill's failure to ensure that at least one of the fuel transfer pump switches was set to on.