A 30-year-old dad and former who once scored one of the fastest goals in football has died in a car accident. Gavin Stokes was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash after the Mercedes GCL he was driving appeared to lose control and leave the road.
Emergency services attended the incident which happened at Thornwood, Glasgow in the early hours of Saturday. Police have appealed for witnesses.
His family paid tribute to the "amazing dad" who played football at a number of clubs including Dundee United and Scotland. They told how he was "the life and soul of the party" and a "beloved son, amazing dad, brother, uncle and friend".
They said: "One of the most important things in Gavin’s life was being with his son 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."
However he was known for his footballing skills having become an internet sensation when he scored a cracking halfway line goal playing for Maryhill against Clydebank. His family said: "He was a great footballer in his youth and is remembered for scoring one of the World’s fastest ever recorded goals in 2.1 seconds.
"Gavin played with various football clubs in his time, Dundee United, Kilbirnie, Maryhill Juniors, Irvine Meadow, Alloa Athletic, Dundee United and the Scotland International Team, to name just a few."
Speaking following the accident 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 101 with reference number 0221 of 8 October.”
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