Bus driver killed in crash with white van named as bosses pay tribute

21 August 2023 , 14:30

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Gordon Stirling died following a crash in Galston, Ayrshire

A bus driver who died after a collision with a white Ford Transit van in Ayrshire has been named as 23-year-old Gordon Stirling.

Stirling, from Crosshouse, was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow with life-threatening injuries following the crash on the A77 near Galston at the junction with the A719 on Monday 14 August. Despite the best efforts of doctors, he passed away on Saturday.

Stagecoach expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague. Fiona Doherty, managing director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of our colleague, Gordon Stirling." She added: "Gordon was the driver of the service 4 bus which was involved in a road traffic incident with another vehicle on Monday, August 14 on the A77.

"The whole Stagecoach team is devastated about this and we all send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We are also supporting those colleagues at Stagecoach who knew him."

Doherty thanked the emergency services for their swift response and the NHS team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. She confirmed that a full investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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The driver of the Transit, a 42-year-old man, was also hospitalised with serious injuries. His condition is reported as serious but stable.

In a heartfelt statement, Inspector Craig Beaver of the Ayrshire Road Policing Unit expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mr Stirling, acknowledging the immense difficulty they are facing during this tragic time.

Inspector Beaver confirmed that investigations into the crash's circumstances are ongoing, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for answers.

He made an urgent appeal to the public, requesting anyone with information or dashcam footage who has not yet spoken to officers to come forward. He stressed the importance of these potential leads, which could prove crucial in piecing together the events leading up to the fatal incident.

For those able to assist in the investigation, Inspector Beaver urged them to contact Police Scotland on 101, referencing incident number 3147 of Monday, August 14, 2023.

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