Community pays tribute to talented young cyclist, 16, after sudden death

Tributes have been paid to a young cyclist who died suddenly at the age of just 16.

Stuart Turvey, of Comrie, Fife, a competitive cyclist and a member of Sandy Wallace Cycles, was found dead in the early hours of last Thursday.

Friends released Chinese lanterns in his memory. Pupil Taylor Johnstone, 17, who arranged the ceremony, told The Courier: “Stuart was just such a nice guy. He got along with everyone. When we found out what had happened we were heartbroken.”

Stuart had won several titles in his competitive cycling career and was on the road to becoming a professional cyclist.

Team owner Sandy Wallace told the Dumfermline Press that Stuart was a “great guy” and “nice personality”.

He said: “I’ve known him since he was a kid – he was very talented and was the current Youth Scottish Best All-Rounder and Fife Youth Best All-Rounder.

“In my time, the cycling club has produced three professional cyclists who started with us as youngsters and Stuart was up there alongside them at this stage of his career.

“I’m devastated and totally shocked. We rode a lot together and he gave me a hard time.

“The whole club is devastated. It’s the last thing we expected. His father raced with me – I’ve known his father since he was 13.

“I rode with him a week past Sunday but he was in the shop on Tuesday, the day before he died.

“It’s just so sad. He was well-respected and very popular.”

Queen Anne High rector Ruth McFarlane said, “Stuart was a thoughtful and caring young man.

“He was a talented cyclist and artist with a very good sense of humour.

“We are hugely saddened by his death and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Harry Langdale added, “Going to miss you so much and all our times cycling and competing against each other. No longer got a partner to play badminton with. Never going to forget you and my thoughts go out to you and your family in this tough time. Goodbye Stuart.”

Jane Smart said she would “miss our cycles together and our chats on the cycle path, when you were walking your dog”. She added, “Keep those wheels turning – gone but never forgotten, you were one lovely young gent.”

A family tribute in the Press said Stuart was a beloved son to Fred and Rhona and much-loved brother of Iona.