'Devastated' families pay tribute to three killed in Borders motorbike crash

The families of a three people killed in a motorbike collision in the Scottish Borders have been left “devastated”.

Andrew Lartey and Georgia Tate were pronounced dead at the scene after a Suzuki GSXR and a Kawasaki ZX1400 motorbike crashed between Bonchester Bridge and Carter Bar on the A6088 on Sunday.

Motorcyclist Mr Lartey, 30, and pillion passenger Ms Tate, 23, were both from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

Mr Lartey and Ms Tate’s families have said they are “devastated” by the loss in a joint statement.

“We are devastated by the loss of Georgia and Andrew, they will be sorely missed by all who knew them,” they said.

“We ask for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”

The rider of the Suzuki GSXR, Jason Gibbon from Northumberland, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have said the 37-year-old will “be greatly, sadly missed”.

They added: “We are devastated of the loss of a much loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and devoted friend to many.

“We are comforted by the messages from many. We would like to ask for privacy to allow the family to grieve at this very difficult time.”

The road was closed for around seven hours and later re-opened around 9.30pm.

Sergeant Barry Sommerville said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the three people who died.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we continue to appeal for anyone with information that could help to please get in touch.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2028 of July 28, 2024.

Last weekend saw eight people killed in crashes on Scotland’s roads.

Minutes after the three killed in the Borders, motorcyclist Candice Adam, from Dalry, died at the scene of a crash on the A83 at the Kilmory Roundabout around 2.45pm on Sunday.

Candice Adam, from Dalry, died at the scene of the crash that happened at the A83 at the Kilmory Roundabout around 2.45pm on Sunday. Police Scotland

Ms Adam was riding a white Ducati motorcycle, which was riding with three other motorcyclists, when the crash happened.

Her family said they were “devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful, kind-hearted daughter”.

On Saturday, emergency services were called to the B7035 in South Ayrshire where the driver of a green Land Rover was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Friday, three men, aged 21, 23 and 24, were killed in a single car crash in Falkirk. The 20-year-old female driver was taken to hospital.

Chief superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “Each of these deaths is tragic and our thoughts are with those affected.

“A collision affects more than just you and your car, it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.

“I urge every driver and road user to think about their behaviour on the road, be considerate towards others and help us make Scotland’s roads safe for everyone.

“We all have a responsibility to use our roads safely and to help us save lives.”