A talented Scots footballer has been killed in a horror car crash in Glasgow. Gavin Stokes, 30, was driving a white Mercedes GLC at the Thornwood roundabout in Partick when it is understood the motor lost control and crashed at 1.10am on Saturday morning.
The father-of-one was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured in the single-vehicle crash.
Gavin, from Glasgow, leaves behind his partner Lauren and son Freddie. His loved ones paid tribute to him in a touching statement released via Police Scotland.
The family statement described him as "a beloved son, amazing dad, brother, uncle and friend." It continued: "He was the life and soul of the party. One of the most important things in Gavin’s life was being with Freddie. Gavin and his partner, Lauren brought him up to be the best boy ever. Freddie was Gavin’s whole world and spending time with him was his favourite thing to do.
"Gavin also loved, his mum Alice, dad Edward, sister Shannon, brother Garry, and niece Isla very dearly and he will be greatly missed. Gavin was a qualified electrician and was very passionate about his career."
While playing for Maryhill, Gavin scored one of the fastest goals in history, after shooting straight from kick off. He took just two seconds to send the ball from the halfway line and past the Clydebank goalkeeper during the West of Scotland Super League First Division clash.
During his career, he also played for Dundee United, Alloa Althetic, Kilbirnie Ladeside, Irvine Meadow and capped twice for Scotland in the under 17 and under 16 squads.
Officers investigating the collision have appealed to members of the public for information. In particular, they want to hear from those with dash-cam footage.
Sergeant Paul Mellis said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died following this crash. Our investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact us.
"I would also be keen to obtain and dash-cam from motorists who were driving on this road around the time of the crash. Information can be passed to Police Scotland on 101 with reference number 0221 of October 8.”
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