United after road tragedy
The ex-wife and partner of a man who died after being struck by a car on a Hamilton motorway sliproad are“united in grief”.
Former spouse Ange Martin and fiancee Melinda Berta spoke exclusively to the Advertiser about the tragic death of Peter Mcguire, of Motherwell, on the M74 last month.
The pair, who have formed a friendship following Peter’s death, have been left devastated and await the outcome of a police investigation following the events of January 29.
Melinda, who had sevenmonth-old Charlie with Peter and daughter Melinda (12) from a previous relationship, explained: “It is important for myself and Ange to say that whilst Peter had his demons, we will never really know the exact details of that day.
“What we do know in all of this is that 100 per cent the driver was in no way at fault for this tragic accident.
“Peter had been suffering with PTSD and mental health issues such as depression and whilst some people have said it was suicide, I simply cannot believe that at this point.
“Lately, Peter also had major sight issues and suffered with an ankle injury and had been taking funny turns due to a balance impairment. All of this could have been linked, and that would mean he did not go out that day with the intention of killing himself.
“He had too much to live for, with two beautiful girls and a step-daughter.”
Peter was just 35-years-old and had suffered immense heartache in his life including the loss of both of his parents, childhood trauma and a stint in the army – all of which contributed to his mental health issues and, indeed, his general health.
Ange, who had daughter Isabelle (8) with Peter during their marriage and who runs a group promoting children and young people’s mental health from her home in Kent, added: “We feel terrible for the driver and his family in all of this. He is the innocent and did not deserve any of this.
“Peter had issues and we now have to pick up the pieces and raise his daughters in union.
“Myself and Melinda are united in our grief and it is important for us to raise our daughters as the family they are, whilst also making them and others aware that mental health issues are real and all too prevalent these days.
“We sincerely hope that the investigation proves that Peter’s death was a tragic accident on his part and not suicide – but if the latter is the case, then we will deal with it.”
Melinda, from Motherwell, who has been left saddled with debt since Peter’s death, added: “Peter was known to walk from Hamilton to Motherwell but there are so many unanswered questions, such as why Peter was particularly at that stretch of the road and not on the main path.
“It’s just so sad that the girls have lost their dad so young and I’ve lost my fiance.
“The only thing good thing to come from all of this is my friendship with Ange.”
Sergeant Craig Beaver, Motherwell Road Policing Unit, said: “An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time who may have information, or dash-cam footage, to come forward.”
Anyone with information should contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 2220 of Tuesday, January 29.
People wishing to donate to Melinda’s Justgiving page to help with his funeral costs can do so by visiting www.gofundme.com/ peter-mcguire-killed-in-a-roadaccident