Pensioner who died after car hit two pedestrians in South Lanarkshire named locally

A pensioner who died after a car hit two pedestrians on a busy road in South Lanarkshire has been named locally.

Police were called to reports of the crash, which involved two pedestrians and a car, off Lesmahagow Road, Strathaven at around 7pm on Tuesday, January 3.

Donald McKillop, 78, was pronounced dead at the scene by attending emergency services.

Another 67-year-old man was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Wishaw.

South Lanarkshire Council Provost Margaret Cooper confirmed on social media that her “good friend” had passed away in the incident.

“Given press, national news and speculation I have taken the decision to confirm that my good friend Donald McKillop passed away last night at the scene of an incident on Lesmahagow Road,” she wrote.

“Donald is well known to most people in the area and was 78 years old at the time of his death.

“I ask that people respect the announcement and cease to speculate or comment until the police release further information about the incident.”

Mr McKillop lived in Strathaven and was a former member of the Royal Air Force.

He was a regular customer of the town’s Tudor Cafe, who also paid tribute to him, writing: “Team Tudor, your girls and I will miss you with all our hearts. May you rest in peace.”

A 61-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are currently ongoing.

The road was closed for several hours into Wednesday.