We’ve lost one of our own.. RIP
Cadet leader pays tribute to Harley after crash horror
Sarah Vesty
Tributes have been paid after a teenager was killed when his bicycle was hit by a car.
The 16-year-old boy, named locally as Harley Smith, died at the scene of the accident in the village of Laurieston, near Falkirk, on Friday night.
Police shut the busy A803 Polmont Road to investigate the tragedy which involved a silver Mercedes Benz.
Leading tributes to Harley, the Grangemouth Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets said he was a “quiet, unassuming and dedicated former member”.
A statement read: “It is with a very heavy heart that I am bringing you the tragic news that one of our former cadets, Harley Smith, was involved in a collision with a car whilst on his bike and sadly lost his life.
“He was only 16. Not all of you will have known Harley but for those who do they will know he was a very quiet, unassuming and dedicated cadet.
“We have lost one of our own who was a part of the TSForth family.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this incredibly difficult time. RIP young man.”
Local politicians said the community had been left shocked by the incident. Councillor Malcolm Nicol said: “This is a deeply upsetting accident that has claimed the life of a young man with his whole life ahead of him.
“My heart goes out to all those affected by this incident.”
Community councillor Rosemary Taylor said: “It’s horrible news for our community.”
It is understood Harley’s bike collided with the vehicle at about 8.55pm on a busy junction with Dundas Road.
Police said the 28- year- old driver and two passengers in the car were not hurt. Flowers were laid at the scene yesterday.
Police Scotland thanked members of the public who stopped to help and appealed for witnesses.
Stirling Road Police Unit said: “This was a serious collision and our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of the boy who sadly lost his life, along with all of those involved.
“Our inquiries into the cause of the collision are continuing and I would ask anyone who saw what happened, and has not yet spoken to officers, to come forward.
“I would ask motorists using the A803 yesterday evening and who may have been recording via dash-cam devices to check their systems and provide any relevant footage to us as soon as possible.”