Family pays tribute after ex-boxer dies in crash

Fife: Driver loses fight for life in Victoria Hospital

A 35-year-old man has died following a road accident in Fife which left his passenger seriously injured.

Former boxer Mark Kelbie, pictured, lost his fight for life in hospital after the BMW he was driving struck a wall and left the road near Upper Largo early on Saturday morning.

His 24-year-old male passenger was also rushed to Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital, although his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Mr Kelbie, who lived in Edinburgh, had a seven-week-old son.

His family issued a statement through police which said: “Mark was a loving son, father and husband who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.”

They asked to be given privacy to grieve.

The A915 between Upper Largo and Largoward was closed for several hours as police investigations were conducted at the scene two miles outside Upper Largo.

A motorist on her way to work arrived on the scene before police and paramedics and said a passing postal worker had raised the alarm.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “The Royal Mail van driver contacted the emergency services and I gave a quilt which I happened to be carrying in the back of my car to the other guy (the passenger). He was quite in shock.

“Hats off to the van driver and the emergency services. They were there very quickly.”

Police Scotland thanked members of the public for their patience while the route was shut until 1.15pm and appealed for witnesses to the incident.

Sergeant Jim Henry, of the road policing unit, said: “Our condolences go to Mark’s family and friends and we’re working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision.

“We’re asking anyone who believes they may have seen a silver BMW in the area around this time, or anyone with information which can assist with our inquiries, to come forward.”

Police said they received a call at 5am saying that the silver BMW, which was travelling towards Largoward on the St Andrews road, appeared to have struck a wall before careering off the road.

No other vehicle was involved.