Football club West Park United pay tribute to teen 'taken too soon' following M8 crash near Newhouse

A Glasgow football club has paid tribute to a teenager “taken too soon” following a fatal crash between a car and a lorry on the M8.

Emergency services were called to a Junction 6, near Newhouse, at around 2am on Saturday after receiving reports of a crash between a Toyota Yaris and a stationary Iveco lorry.

The driver of the Toyota, named locally as 19-year-old Asher Tumwijukye, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His former football team, West Park United Football Club, have paid tribute to the teenager who played as a goalkeeper for the side from March 2019 to May 2021.

A Facebook post read: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we inform the West Park family of the untimely loss of one of our own, Asher Tumwijukye. Our deepest condolences go to Asher’s family at this painful time.

“Asher played with distinction as Goalkeeper with our 2004’s team from March 2019 to May 2021, where his academic talents took him to university.

“A young man who loved life and life loved him right back has been taken too soon. A young man who made many friends in his brief time with us and who will be sorely missed.

“A young man who was a son, a brother, a student, a footballer. A young man. Shine bright on your journey Asher, shine bright.”

A GoFundMe has also been launched, in order to help his family cover funeral costs and give him “the send of he deserves”.

The 19-year-old was described as “making the world a better place” in a heartfelt message posted on the fundraiser.

It read: “Sincerely we share the sad news of the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Asher. As we all come to terms with this immense loss, we appreciate your support and kind words during this difficult time.

“Asher left an indelible mark on all those who knew him, making our world a better place through his kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit.

“As we come together in celebrating his life and legacy, let us keep his memory alive in our hearts forever.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

Police Scotland are continuing appeals for any drivers in the area who may have witnessed the collision or have dash-cam footage to get in touch.

Sergeant Craig McDonald from the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Motherwell said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died at this difficult time.

“Our investigation into the crash is continuing and I would appeal to any witnesses to contact us.

“I would also appeal to anyone driving on the M8 here around this time, who has dash-cam footage to come forward. Information can be passed to officers through 101 quoting incident number 0354 of March 25.”