£17,000 raised in a day for new dad killed by overhead power lines in East Lothian

Daniel McFarlane died after he struck a power line while cleaning windows at his new family home in the outskirts of Haddington in East Lothian

Daniel, 36, is understood to have been trying out a new tool for window cleaning when he came into contact with the overhead power line and was fatally injured.

A brave friend who ran to Daniel’s aid was also badly injured and is currently said to be in a stable condition after being rushed to hospital following the freak incident around 4.45pm on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old died on Tuesday following the freak accident.

It is believed Daniel, who ran his own cleaning business, and wife Ria had recently moved into the rural property.

Now generous family, friends and locals have flocked to donate thousands of pounds to help devastated Ria and the couple’s ten-month-old daughter Frankie Joy.

Fundraiser and family friend Davie Martin set up the gofundme page on Thursday evening and within four hours the donations had reached £10,200.

At the time of writing, the current total stands at a more than £17,000.

More than £10,000 was raised in just four hours for the new dad.

A message on the funding page reads: “Our Wee Town and so many others were devastated of the news that we had lost one of our own due to a freak accident this week.

“Dan McFarlane was much loved and a truly great guy who lived life to the full and worked hard to support his world and life wife Ria and young daughter Frankie Joy McFarlane .

“Dan and Ria had just set up their dream home and was ready to create some great memories and family times, which have all been shattered this week by the loss of Dan.

“A few friends felt it right to try and help the family rebuild their life as best as they can during these sad circumstances without having to worry about the financial circumstances left because of this tragic accident.

“But even more so to let Dan, Ria and daughter Frankie know that we are all there to support them and do what any friends would do under these terrible circumstances.

“Dan was taken so young and has left a lovely young wife and daughter and not had the time to create the security he wanted in place for his family, so let’s try help them as much as we can folks.”

The gofundme page also contains newly released pictures of Daniel with his wife and child.

Hundreds of heartbroken friends took to social media this week to post messages of condolence.

Darren Irvine posted: “So sorry for your loss. Great guy taken far too soon. Thoughts with all the family.”

Lynne Blyth said: “Thinking of you all - there is no words at all that will help you through this. Life is so, so cruel.”

And Pamela Foy added: “I wish I had some words to ease all your pain but what has happened is beyond comprehension. Thinking of you all and sending so much love and hugs.”

Following the tragic accident, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a 36-year-old man injured at a rural property near Haddington around 4.45pm on Tuesday, 1 June.

“The man has been taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he was pronounced dead.

“Enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing but there are no apparent suspicious circumstances.”

If you would like to contribute to the funding effort please go to www.gofundme.com/f/keep-our-promise-to-be-there-if-anything-happens

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