Tributes to 'fantastic' dad-of-six who died after incident at Paisley demolition site

Tributes have been paid to a “fantastic” dad-of-six who died after an incident at a demolition site in Paisley.

Emergency services were called to a report of a person being injured at the site on Waverley Road at around 9.15am on Friday.

A 36-year-old man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he died on Saturday.

He has now been named by family and friends as Derek Russell.

Emergency services were called to a report of an injured person at the site on Waverley Road. STV News

The father of six has been described as a “fantastic dad” and “loving husband”.

A fundraiser set up by Ardeer Thistle FC Youth Academy, the club one of Derek’s children plays for, has already raised nearly £3,000 to support his family.

A post on the page read: “Derek was a loving husband to Nicole and a fantastic dad to six amazing kids.

“Derek worked hard for his family, and any donations would be greatly appreciated to help support his family at this tough time.”

The Health and Safety Executive have been informed of the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.15am on Friday, January 9, 2026, we were called to a demolition site on Waverley Road in Paisley after a man was injured.

“The 36-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment, where he died on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

“An investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing, and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

You can view the fundraiser here.