Silverknowes crash: School '˜shocked, saddened' by teen's death

THE head teacher of a city school has paid tribute to a 14-year-old boy killed when the motorbike he was riding crashed.

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Tributes left near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'BrienTributes left near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'Brien
Tributes left near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'Brien

Brad Williamson died from head injuries after being thrown from the white Vertigo motorcycle when it collided with a black Toyota Aygo in Silverknowes Road on Friday.

A passenger on the bike - also a 14-year-old-boy - was treated at the Sick Kids for serious, but non life-threatening injuries.

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Brad Williamson died after the accident. Picture: suppliedBrad Williamson died after the accident. Picture: supplied
Brad Williamson died after the accident. Picture: supplied

John Wilson, head teacher at Broughton High School said: “The whole school community is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news about pupil, Brad Williamson. Brad was a well-known and popular student in the school and its community. Our thoughts are with Brad’s family at this tragic time.”

The road was shut to traffic for nearly six hours following the crash.

He said Brad was “the first thing” he thought about when he woke yesterday morning, before the realisation hit him once again that his brother had died.

People leave tributes near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'BrienPeople leave tributes near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'Brien
People leave tributes near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'Brien
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“It’s not really sunk in yet,” he said. “[I was] thinking I wonder if he’s tried to phone me cause he needs something or wondering when I’ll be down to see him, where we’ll go for dinner.

“We were so, so close and we still are – just that you’re up there and I’m down here.

“But you’re in a better place now and your wee head and wee strong, skinny body is at peace mate.

“You will always be in my heart and we will always share the same memories, the same love, the same family, the same friends and the same life.”

Brad Williamson died after the accident. Picture: suppliedBrad Williamson died after the accident. Picture: supplied
Brad Williamson died after the accident. Picture: supplied
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The 39-year-old driver of the Toyota Aygo walked away unscathed from the crash, police said.

Floral tributes were left at the scene of the collision over the weekend, many featuring poignant messages about Brad. Friends and family also posted hundreds of comments on social media.

One card left in Silverknowes Road read: “Words can’t explain how much we’re going to miss you and your cheeky little smile.”

A friend wrote on Facebook: “Look at you, Brad! You’ll make a good job of being a gorgeous angel. Miss and love you.”

People leave tributes near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'BrienPeople leave tributes near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'Brien
People leave tributes near the crash site. Picture: Andrew O'Brien
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The legal age for riding a motorcycle in the UK starts at 16 years old.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pc Declan Fitzpatrick said: “Our inquiries continue into this collision and our thoughts remain with Brad’s family and friends at what is an incredibly difficult time for them.

“We’d ask any witnesses who have not yet come forward to get in touch.

“We’re still working to trace the driver of a white Mercedes limousine-style car which was travelling north on Silverknowes Road at the time, and who may be able to assist.”

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