Emotional tributes were last night flowing in for an 18-year-old Scottish runner after he was killed in a road crash at the weekend.
Ewan Murray, 18, from East Kilbride, died in Hairmyres Hospital after being struck by a Vauxhall Vectra on Saturday evening as he attempted to cross the A726 Queensway in his home town. The driver and his passenger were not injured.
Paramedics – one of whom was a neighbour and family friend of Ewan's – rushed to the scene at 6.20pm and took him to hospital, but the promising athlete died a few hours later.
As the news reached Ewan's friends after being posted on Facebook, crowds of youngsters gathered at his home to comfort his mother Jackie, 48, father Iain, 50, and sister Karen, 21.
Last night, neighbours spoke of their shock and crowds of youngsters gathered at the scene of the accident on Queensway – directly opposite East Kilbride Shopping Centre – to lay flowers.
One neighbour, who lives two doors away but asked not to be named, visited the Murrays yesterday afternoon to post a condolence card. She said: "This is just tragic. Ewan ran for Scotland and was just a lovely, typical 18-year-old with a great future in front of him. All his pals came round last night after it happened about 7pm and it was so emotional. My husband was the paramedic who attended the crash last night. He was just about to come off shift when it happened. He couldn't believe it and we're just thinking of the family now."
The Murray family were not at home yesterday afternoon, having been picked up by a member of the extended family in the morning.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Facebook users visited a tribute page and left messages for Ewan who ran with Giffnock North Athletic Club. At 7pm, his friends gathered around the shore of the Heritage Loch in East Kilbride and set off Chinese lanterns in his memory.
Ewan's Facebook tribute page reads: "God only takes the best. You were an amazing guy, strong and big-hearted, and you'll be dearly missed." Margaret Douglas said: "Devastating news. Can't imagine how awful this must be for all the family."
Friend Chloe Paton said: "A golden heart has stopped beating." Shannon Kelly said: "Sleep tight Ewan. I'll always remember you. Love you Ewan."
Police are appealing for witnesses.
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