Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Carla Talbot

Tributes paid to Renfrewshire dead as fears rise over dangerous street Valium

The Paisley community has been left reeling following the tragic deaths of four people who are feared to have taken deadly pills.

Tributes have flooded social media for those who lost their lives after taking what police and health bosses fear was dangerous Etizolam tablets, known as street Valium.

Diane Sanderson, 28, and Hiatam Gibali, 37, were the two most recent thought to have fallen victim to the street pills.

Diane Sanderson tragically died on January 24 (Paisley Daily Express, UGC MSR)

Young mum Diane was tragically found in a property in Stock Street on January 24.

Hiatam, who lived nearby, was rushed by ambulance to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra hospital after police were called back to the street an hour later - but died in hospital.

A bouquet of yellow flowers can be seen poignantly on display at the former Castlehead High School pupil’s flat.

The message reads: “Hiatam, gone too soon - you were a great wee guy, going to be missed by all.

“Fly high with the angels.”

Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

A neighbour, who lived in the same building as Hiatam, who was known as Tam, said she was “heartbroken” for his friends and family.

Hiatam had lived in the building alongside her for 10 years, and she said he was a “good neighbour who was always there if she needed him.”

She told the Express she was shocked to hear of the deaths of Hiatam and Diane, adding: “It’s really heartbreaking.

“I heard it was dangerous pills that killed him which is just terrible. It’s disgusting that there is stuff out there being sold to people that can do this to them.

“He was my neighbour for a long time. Ten years I have lived here and he was always a good neighbour to me.

“He was always there for me if I ever needed him.

“I am heartbroken for his family. His mum lives nearby and they used to wave to each other from the window.

“It’s just awful.”

The woman added that she had heard about other deaths linked to drugs in the area: “I know someone else who lost a relative very recently and it was also drug related. I just hope it doesn’t happen to more people.”

Tributes also flooded in for the tragic pair on social media, with friends and loved ones sharing their grief.

A friend of Diane’s called her his “beautiful pal”, adding: “You always knew how to make me laugh even when we where in the hospital together going through hell you still smiled and told me not to worry.

“Now I’m having to write this because you weren’t okay wish I knew how to take all the pain and suffering away from you your up there now getting everything you need and deserve to make you happy sweet dreams beautiful rest easy.”

Another added: “Absolutely tragic , such a young woman with her whole life ahead.

“I was in shock when I heard, you were so lively & funny rest easy.”

Hiatam Gibali (Paisley Daily Express, UGC MSR)

Former school pals of Hiatam paid tribute to “a proper legend”, with one posting: “Great memories back in the day when Tuesday-Thursday was the weekend at V’s, with the gang.

“Sleep well brother, until we meet again R.I.P.”

Flowers were laid out for Hiatam Gibali, who died after being rushed to hospital on January 24. (Andrew Neil)

The deaths of Hiatam and Diane come less than two weeks after couple Stephen Mclachlan and Lisa Gilchrist were found dead in their flat in Espedair Street - just a two minute walk from Stock Street in the town’s Charleston area.

Stephen Mclachlan and Lisa Gilchrist (Paisley Daily Express, UGC MSR)

Stephen McLachlan, the son of Stephen and Lisa previously paid tribute to his parents on social media.

He shared a photo of his parents and wrote: “RIP mum and dad.

“Can’t believe this, still not sunk in yet.

“I love you both so much, more than you will ever know.

“Love you both forever.”

The community also rallied behind the grieving son, raising more than £1,500 to support him following the heartbreaking loss of his parents.

The fundraiser, which was set up by a relative, reads: “I’ve started this go fund me page to help my beautiful cousin’s son who’s lost both his parents.

Stephen Mclachlan and Lisa Gilchrist were found in their property in Espedair Street on January 10 (Andrew Neil)

“Lisa and her loving partner Stephen were loved by many and sadly lost their lives... and while nothing can take away the hurt or pain we can at least help their son in some small way.

“So please if you could spare anything at all it would be greatly appreciated.”

Dozens of people offered their condolences...

One person wrote: “This young boy needs all the support anyone can give the community is greater in Ferguslie than any where else deepest condolences to both families.”

Another added: “Our hearts go out to wee Stephen and all the families.”

READ MORE ON OUR RENFREWSHIRE DRUGS CRISIS SPECIAL REPORT:

Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.