Gran says family are 'devastated and numb' after grandson dies in West Lothian

The grandmother of a man who lost his life in a West Lothian crash has said the family are "devastated and numb".

Gareth Hempseed, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident with the driver of the vehicle taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and later released. Emergency services raced to the scene on Auldhill Road in Linlithgow, at around 8.35pm on April 29.

Judith Paterson, Gareth's grandmother, has now launched a fundraiser to help with costs of his funeral. She hopes to give him the "send off he deserves".

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Writing on the fundraising page, Judith said: "My grandson tragically lost his life in a car accident, he was the passenger and only 20-years-old.

"All the family are devastated and numb with shock, I’m doing this GoFundMe page on behalf of his mum Suzanne, to help raise money towards Gareth’s funeral and a memorial and to give Gareth the send off he deserves.

"Any contribution will be greatly received. Once Gareth body has been released a funeral date will be set."

Brian Shanks, Gareth's uncle, commented: "I don't even know how to start this. Gareth was many things to many people.

"Brother, uncle, friend, and to me, nephew. I may not have seen him as much as I'd have liked to, but he's my family.

"Me and his auntie Jen are devastated right now with this happening, and of course we would help contribute to his memorial . Still not fully sunk in that I won't see him again."

The fundraiser was launched on Wednesday evening, and had 19 donations with almost £900 by Thursday morning.

Tributes have been pouring in for Gareth since his death, with those who knew him describing him as a "gent". 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 still 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.”

You can donate to Judith's fundraiser, which will go towards her grandsons funeral, here.