Tributes paid to 'outgoing' uncle who died in incident outside Hamilton community centre

The family of a man who died in an incident outside a community centre in Hamilton say they have been left “devastated”.

Emergency services were called to Burnbank Centre around 3.50pm on Monday following reports of two men being injured.

Medical teams pronounced William Copeland, from Rutherglen, dead at the scene. A 59-year-old man was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police have arrested and charged a 56-year-old man in connection with William’s death and the attempted murder of a second man. He is due to appear in court on Wednesday.

Mr Copeland’s younger sister, Aggie Smith, paid tribute to her 36-year-old brother.

She told STV News: “He was funny and outgoing.

“William would always try to be there for us. There are no words to describe how difficult this is for us.

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“This is absolutely devastating. He intended to change his life for the better, but he never got the chance.

“It really is soul-destroying. He would go out and play football with his nephews. William treated them as his own.”

Loved ones have organised a GoFundMe to help give the beloved uncle the “send-off he deserves”.

It reads: “On behalf of William’s family, I’ve made this GoFundMe to take some of the stress off them.

“The family haven’t had it easy since they lost William’s younger brother in 2022 and their mum in 2023.

“Times are tough for them that’s why I’ve made this gofundme to help raise some of the cost for his funeral so they don’t have to worry.

“Any donations will be helpful, as it would really help his family at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, William Copland; you’ll be sadly missed. Please help them give William the send-off he deserves.”

Detective chief inspector Susie Cairns at Lanarkshire CID said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those concerned as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

“We will continue to have an increased police presence in the area as we understand that this type of incident could be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community. Anyone with concerns is asked to speak to these officers.”

Anyone with any information relating to the death or the attempted murder should contact police via 101 and quote incident number 2095 of October 21, 2024.