First picture of young man killed in West Lothian crash as tributes pour in

Gareth Hempseed tragically passed away at the scene of the incident in West Lothian
Gareth Hempseed tragically passed away at the scene of the incident in West Lothian -Credit:Facebook/Daily Record


A man tragically killed in a horror crash in West Lothian has been named locally.

Gareth Hempseed, 20, was described as a 'gent' by those who knew him. The Dunfermline man died after the incident on Auldhill Road in Linlithgow at around 8.35pm on April 29, reports the Daily Record.

Emergency services services raced to the scene but Gareth, who was a passenger in a black Audi S1, could not be saved. The 23-year-old driver was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, but has since been released.

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Family and friends left tributes online for the popular motorbike enthusiast.

Gareth's grandmother Judy Paterson said: "I’m writing this with a heavy heart. Last night we lost our grandson Gareth in a tragic car accident, he was a passenger in the car and was killed instantly.

"He was only 20 years old, with his future ahead of him. The whole family are devastated, tomorrow I’m taking my daughter to identify his body, not something a mother ever expects to do."

Toby Cook said: "Devastated by the news. You were always a gent and it was an honour to have you as a friend. I love you mate, RIP."

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Ben Loughton remarked: "Taken from us all far too soon. Words cannot 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 buddy."

Joshua Spinks said: "Well mate, I think where all a bit lost for words and all in disbelief. A brilliant guy, gone far too soon. Rest easy buddy."

Ashleigh Sharp commented: "Sleep tight, little brother."

Tiegan Kinloch added: "Love you forever Gareth. Hope you're having a good bike talk. forever 20."

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Police are appealing for information following the incident.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell from Road Policing said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the man who died.

“We would appeal for any motorists who were in the area around the time of the collision, particularly with dash-cam footage, to please get in touch with any information which could be of significance to our enquiries.

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