Livingston man dies after car crash

Nov 10 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

THE father of a Livingston man who was killed following a car crash at the weekend has led the tributes to his son.

Jamie McLaughlin (21) died when his Peugeot 206 struck a tree after hitting the kerb on the B8046 road on the outskirts of Threemiletown near Linlithgow on Saturday night around 9pm.

Jamie, who lived in Craigshill, was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he later died from his injuries.

Now his father, Martin (48), has paid an emotional tribute to the son he called a “superstar”.

He spoke fondly of Jamie, describing him as a hard-working and popular young man.

Martin said: “I never had a day’s problem with him. He was a superstar.

“There have been so many tributes to him on Facebook. I used to think it was a lot of rubbish and just caused problems, but seeing those messages from all over the country has helped me so much.

“I just want to say a big thank you to the people who have gone on to his page and left a message.

“I just didn’t realise how much he had affected other people.”

Martin said his son, who worked for Specialized Security, had a tough start to life, but had a wicked sense of humour and was incredibly ambitious.

He added: “When Jamie was aged just four his little brother, Alexander, died. There was only a year between the boys and it was very difficult.

“He was due to go to West Lothian College after Christmas to get qualifications he had missed out on so he could go on and do a business management degree.

“Jamie grew up down south but moved back to Scotland five years ago with me.

“You could throw anything at him: he was very determined. He wanted to get things done and always had jobs from the age of 16. He hated some of them but he just wanted to work.

“He got on so well with his three sisters and three step-siblings. He was a loving uncle as well. ”

Martin also said he wanted to thank people from a nearby fireworks display who rushed to try and help Jamie following the accident.

“Jamie had bad head and chest injuries and that couldn’t have been easy for them to cope with,” he said. “They may have been strangers but, like Jamie would have been, they were there to help comfort him.”

Earlier, Jamie’s family released a statement through Lothian and Borders Police thanking all those who tried to help.

They said: “We would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the local people, firemen, police and paramedics who came to his aid in his hour of need.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to the medical staff at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, they tried so hard to save Jamie.

“Jamie was a son to be proud of. He was very caring, quick-witted and would do anything to help others.

“He has been taken from us far too early, but at 21 he had his own flat, had bought his car and was a really hard worker.

“Rest in peace Jamie, please give your little brother a hug when you meet in heaven.”

Friends also left flowers and moving tributes at the scene of the crash.

One read: “Missing you, a special friend taken too soon. You will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you.”

Another emotional message said: “Gorgeous guy, inside and out. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Jamie.”

Enquiries are ongoing into the accident and anyone who was on the road at the time should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.