Tributes paid to Borders lad killed by road accident in Shropshire

A Borders student killed by a collision with a car in Shropshire in the early hours of Sunday has been named as George Crawford, 20.
George Crawford, from Melrose, with his horse Kian. George, 20, lost his life on Sunday after he was hit by a car in Shropshire.George Crawford, from Melrose, with his horse Kian. George, 20, lost his life on Sunday after he was hit by a car in Shropshire.
George Crawford, from Melrose, with his horse Kian. George, 20, lost his life on Sunday after he was hit by a car in Shropshire.

The son of Cameron and Mary Crawford, of the Pavilion Estate near Melrose, George had only begun a course in agriculture at Harper Adams University, near Newport, Shropshire, two weeks ago.

The collision happened at the junction of Forton Road and Sunny Gardens, Newport, at 4.10am on Sunday.

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Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic were sent to the scene.

Devastated parents Cameron and Mary Crawford at their home near Melrose.Devastated parents Cameron and Mary Crawford at their home near Melrose.
Devastated parents Cameron and Mary Crawford at their home near Melrose.

He was taken to hospital, but he died later that morning after an operation which lasted over five hours.

His distraught father Cameron described George as a “boy who could enter a grey, empty boring room and brighten it up immediately”, adding that in two weeks at Harper Adams, he had “galvanised 25 strangers into a harmonious group of friends”.

George had excelled in such diverse skills such as horse racing, eventing, endurance moto-cross and skiing, and tributes from his many friends and fellow students have appeared on his Facebook page.

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Among the tributes, Molly Cartwright wrote: “Can’t quite belive I’m saying this but rest in peace George you were one the of the first friends I made at the rigg. You always knew how to make everyone laugh and you never cared what anyone thought you were just you. You really will be missed. Party hard up there in your tartan trousers ... it’s times like this you realise how fast things can change.”

And Will Chisholm added: “I can’t believe that I’m having to say this but RIP George Crawford you absolute legend. You were taken far too early. I have nothing but great memories with you ... was never a dull time when you’re around ... words can’t describe how much I will miss you. You were really something quite special ... RIP mate fly high and party hard up there.”

Cameron also said he has been “blown away” by the calls and messages from all over the world.

Little is known about the collision that killed George or his movements immediately before it.

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A spokesperson for West Mercia police said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision and we would continue to appeal to anyone with information to come forward.

“If anyone was in or around Forton Road in Newport in the early hours of Sunday, October 7, we would urge them to get in contact.

“Any witnesses should ring West Mercia Police on 101, quoting reference 106s 071018.”

See tomorrow’s Southern Reporter for more on this tragic story.

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