Devastated friends pay tribute to Bronte

Bronte Sarona Hutchison has been described by friends as “a great lass, full of life”.

The 23-year-old sustained fatal injuries when she came off of a motorcycle, that she was travelling on as a pillion passenger, on the A6091 Melrose Bypass during the early hours of August 5.

The incident happened at the junction with the Tweedbank Roundabout at 3.40am.

Both the rider and Ms Hutchison fell from a black Kawasaki ZX636 motorcycle, which was travelling eastbound from Galashiels.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Ms Hutchison was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 27-year-old male rider was taken to Borders General Hospital, but was later released.

Writing on Facebook on Monday, Paul James Gaynor said: “I am very, very sad to have been informed last night of the tragic and devastating news that my lovely cousin Bröntè Sarona Hutchison was killed in a motorbike accident. This is terrible and awful news for all the family and their friends. Such a loss of a beautiful and young life.”

A former Jedburgh Grammar School pupil, Ms Hutchison has been described as “a model employee” by bosses at Mainetti, where she worked as a production operator.

Commenting on social media, colleague Margaret Niven said: “So sad to receive this news in the office at work last night. RIP Bronte. You were beautiful inside and out. Going to be a huge miss.”

Colin Cruddace added: “Bronte was a great lass full of life and lit up a room with her infectious smile. Absolutely devastated, still can’t believe I’ll not see your smiling face in person again, although the memories will live forever in my mind.”

Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Ross Drummond from the Lothians and Scottish Borders Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Bronte’s family at this time and our investigation to establish why both she and the rider of the motorcycle came off of the bike are continuing.

“Any motorists who were on the road at the time and witnessed what happened, or who have information relevant to this investigation, should contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident number 973 of August 5, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.