Tributes to 'adventure-loving' teen who died after jet ski crashed into Shetland pier

Tributes have been paid to an “adventure-loving” teen who died when a jet ski crashed into a pier in Shetland.

Kyle McLean died in the accident in Gremista around 4pm on Tuesday, April 22, following the collision involving a jet ski.

The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after a large emergency service response including lifeboat crews, a coastguard rescue helicopter, fire and ambulance crews and police.

A 17-year-old boy was also taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.

A teenager has died after a jet ski crashed into a pier in Lerwick Harbour. Supplied

A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of the teenager, in a bid to send them on a holiday to Switzerland where he had recently returned from.

A post from organiser Dawn Hatch on the fundraiser read: “I’m setting up this fundraiser in memory of Kyle McLean, the beautiful young man who tragically lost his life in a jet ski accident this week.

“To know Kyle was to love him. He was the most energetic, enthusiastic, family and friend-oriented, gym-loving, adventure-loving, determined, young man.

“He had just returned from his latest explore and had fallen in love with Switzerland. He excitedly told his family that they have to go and see it too.

“We can only imagine the enormity of the grief the family are experiencing right now. We know Kyle was not only Katy’s firstborn, having him so young, he was her best friend. Their bond was like no other.

“He helped her become the amazing, selfless, adoring mum that she is today, and was so proud of everything she did for them all.

“There are no amount of flowers or gifts that can change anything at this time, but we all want to help, and acknowledge the huge loss to the family, Kyle’s friends, and everyone in the community who knew him.

“I’ve set up this to contribute towards the cost of possibly sending the family to Switzerland one day to a place that captured Kyle’s heart. He wanted them to experience what he did.”

The RNLI Lerwick lifeboat crew was called to the incident at Catch Pier in Lerwick shortly after 4pm on Tuesday, April 22.

The lifeboat supported the Lerwick Coastguard Rescue Team, a Coastguard rescue helicopter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland.

Police Scotland chief inspector Chris Sewell said: “Around 4pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, we were called to a report of a jet ski crashing into a pier at Gremista, Shetland.

“Emergency services attended and an 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family is aware.

“A 17-year-old male youth has been taken to hospital for treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

“The Marine Accident Investigation branch has been notified. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died.”