Loch Lomond: Tribute as mother, son and family friend who died in water named

A mother and son and their family friend who died after getting into difficulty in Loch Lomond have been named, as a tribute on behalf of the family has been paid.

Edina Olahova, 29, and her son Rana Haris Ali, nine, died alongside their friend Muhammad Asim Riaz, 41, on Saturday evening.

Mr Riaz's seven-year-old son is currently in intensive care at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

A statement on behalf of Rana and Ms Olahova's family, said: "The family is heartbroken at the death of our charming young boy in what was a tragic drowning accident on Saturday. Haris Ali was the loveliest little boy."

Waris Ali, Ms Olahova's husband and Rana's father, was also on the trip to Pulpit Rock, just south of Ardlui.

Pictures taken hours before show the two families laughing as they posed for the camera near the banks of the loch.

Rana could be seen helping an adult steer a boat as they enjoyed a sunny day out on Scotland's largest loch.

Police Scotland said it was called to reports of concerns for people's safety in the water at about 6.40pm on Saturday.

The force added: "A multi-agency operation took place and sadly three people were pronounced dead at the scene."

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said the park's boat team took part in the search operation at the north end of Loch Lomond.

A 16-year-old boy also died after getting into difficulty in Loch Lomond on Friday, in the Balloch Country Park area.

Leo Markward led the tributes to his "baby bro" Connor, saying that the horrible news has caused his world to "come crashing down".

After an extensive search and rescue operation, Connor's body was recovered from the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A gofundme page was set up by a friend, Kenzie Parks, which has raised more than £2,500 to help the family during this difficult time.

"No one should have to go through something so heartbreaking so let's give them all the help we can," she said.

Mr Watson said: "First and foremost I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who have died. I also want to thank all of those involved in the search and recovery operations.

"This has undoubtedly been one of the worst weekends in the national park's history."

He added that the park and its partners will reflect on this weekend's events and discuss "what more can be done by us all to prevent further tragedies in our lochs".

The families of Mr Olahova, Rana and Mr Riaz were made aware of their deaths and the case will now be sent to the procurator fiscal - which investigates all sudden deaths in Scotland.

As well as the four people who died in Loch Lomond, another two have died this weekend in Scotland after getting into trouble in water, bringing the total to six.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, an 11-year-old died after being found in a river at Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire.

Just after that, a 13-year-old boy got into difficulty in a river in Hazelbank, South Lanarkshire, and his body was recovered from the water on Sunday.