Family of young Scottish driver killed in crash ‘devastated and numb’

The grandmother of a young Scottish man killed in a crash in West Lothian has said the family was left “devastated and numb” after his death.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the accident on Auldhill Road in Linlithgow at around 8.35pm on April 29. But sadly, 20-year-old Gareth Hempseed was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.

The driver of the vehicle was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and later released.

Judith Paterson, Gareth’s grandmother, has now launched a fundraising campaign to help with the costs of his funeral. She hopes to give him the “handle he deserves”.

Judith wrote on the fundraising page: “My grandson tragically lost his life in a car accident, he was the passenger and only 20 years old. The whole family is devastated and numb with shock, I am doing this GoFundMe page on behalf of his mother Suzanne, to raise money for Gareth’s funeral and a memorial service and to give Gareth the send-off he deserves.

“Any contribution will be greatly received. A funeral date will be set once Gareth’s body is released.”

Brian Shanks, Gareth’s uncle, commented: “I don’t even know how to start with this. Gareth was many things to many people. Brother, uncle, friend and to me, cousin. I may not have seen him as much as I ‘I would have liked that, but he is my family.

“Me and his Aunt Jen are devastated at this moment by this event, and of course we would help contribute to his memorial. Still not completely over the fact that I won’t see him again.”

The fundraising campaign kicked off on Wednesday evening and had raised 19 donations by Thursday morning, worth almost £900. Tributes have been pouring in for Gareth since his death, with those who knew him describing him as a “gentleman”.

Toby Cook said: “Devastated by the news. You were always a gentleman and it was an honor to have you as a friend. I love you buddy, RIP.”

Ben Loughton commented: “Taken from us all far too soon. Words can’t describe how devastated I am. So many incredible memories with you mate, gone but never forgotten – we will give you the send-off you deserve mate. “

Joshua Spinks said: “Well mate, I think we’re all a bit lost and in disbelief. A brilliant guy, gone way too soon. Rest in peace mate.”

Ashleigh Sharp said, “Sleep well, little brother.”

Tiegan Kinloch added: “I love you forever Gareth. I hope you have a good bike chat. Forever 20.”

Police are still looking for information after the incident. Sergeant Fraser Mitchell of Road Policing said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the man who died.

“We are appealing to any motorists who were in the area at the time of the collision, especially with dashcam footage, to contact us with any information that may be relevant to our investigation.

“Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3583 of April 29.”

You can donate to Judith’s fundraiser here, which is intended for her grandson’s funeral.

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