Over ?19000 raised for ‘devastated’ families of teens killed in lorry crash

A fundraiser for the "devastated" families of two teenage boys killed in a crash with a lorry in Stirling has raised more than GBP19,000. Kyle Marshall, 19, and Jayden McConnell, 17, were rear seat passengers of a black Vauxhall Corsa which collided with an HGV on the A91 at around 3.50pm on Sunday, March 17. The crash took place between the Bannockburn Interchange and Greencornhills Roundabout.

The 17-year-old boy who was driving the car was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where his condition was described as critical. The front-seat passenger, a 17-year-old girl, was released from hospital with minor injuries. A 29-year-old man, the driver of the HGV who was not injured in the crash, was arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and released pending further enquiries.

Following the incident, a GoFundMe page[1] was set up to help the families of both boys. "After being approached by a number of people asking if there was a way of donating to help both families as a mark of respect towards the boys at this tragic time, I gained permission from both boys' families to set this up," organiser Briany Kane wrote. She added: "Words can't describe how devastated we all are at this tragedy and how much lives have been affected.

This is literally every parent's worst nightmare especially at such a young age with their full lives ahead of them both. "However much is raised will be split equally between Kyle's family and Jayden's family. "Both boys' mums are very grateful for all the love and support they have been shown since losing their boys and want everyone to know they will be forever thankful."

Stirling High School paid tributes to the "much-loved" former pupils. A spokesperson said: "Our school community is deeply saddened by the news of the tragic deaths of two of our former pupils; Kyle Marshall and Jayden McConnell. "Both boys were much-loved members of our school and will be sadly missed by both staff and pupils.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to both families at this difficult time. We are really proud of how our school community has come together to support each other and we will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months." In a statement released by Police Scotland, Kyle Marshall's family said: "Kyle leaves behind his devastated mum Jenny and dad Gary, younger brother Hayden and sister Alix, his gran Janet, Eileen and Joyce, and girlfriend Lucy.

"He will be greatly missed by them and all his extended family, as well as his many friends and work colleagues. "The family wish to thank everyone for their kind messages of condolence, and also want to thank all the emergency service staff involved in the aftermath of this dreadful accident." Police said enquiries into the crash remain ongoing

Road policing sergeant Elaine Scott said: "Our thoughts are very much with Kyle and Jayden's families and friends at this difficult time. "We must establish exactly what happened so, regardless of how significant you believe the information you have is, we want to hear from you. "I'd also ask drivers with dashcam footage of the area around the time to please review this and bring anything of significance to our attention."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2165 of March 17.

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References

1. ^ GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)
2. ^ Follow STV News (www.whatsapp.com)