US tourist charged with killing toddler and grandparents in A9 crash

Paul Gillcrist, who was visiting from North Carolina, is accused of killing David and Elza McPherson and their two-year-old grandson.

US tourist from North Carolina charged with killing toddler and grandparents in crash on A9 in the HighlandsJasperimage

An American tourist has been charged with driving dangerously and causing the death of a toddler and his grandparents in a Highland crash.

Paul Gillcrist made no plea at Inverness Sheriff Court following the alleged collision on the A9 at Slochd Summit which resulted in the deaths of David and Elza McPherson and their unnamed grandson earlier this month.

The 66-year-old, from North Carolina, is also accused of injuring his 65-year-old wife, Kathy, in the incident and a separate charge of dangerous driving alleged to have occurred elsewhere on the A9 between Carrbridge and Dalwhinnie.

Gillcrist was not present when the case was called as he remains in hospital alongside his wife.

He was alleged to have been driving a black Mercedes at the time of the incident on Tuesday, July 5, when it collided with a red Ford Fiesta.

Mr McPherson died at the scene, while his wife Elza passed away a short time later in hospital in Aberdeen.

The youngster, two, died in Raigmore hospital in Inverness.

Gillcrist was granted bail before the case was committed for further examination.

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