A serving police officer has died following a fatal road collision on the A7 which took place around 12.25pm yesterday, Sunday 15th July, immediately north of Galashiels.
A Yamaha R6 motorcycle travelling south was involved in a collision with a silver Peugeot 107 which had been travelling north.
As a result of the collision the 24-year-old rider of the motorcycle, Police Constable Rhys Prentice, sadly died at the scene.
His family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland:
“We are absolutely devastated at the loss of Rhys – our much loved son, brother, fiancé and friend.
“Rhys was an enthusiastic biker and a dedicated police officer. He made us all very proud and words cannot describe how much we will miss him.”
The Lothians and Scottish Borders Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Lesley Clark, said: “It’s a sad day for the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, with the loss of a young and enthusiastic officer.
“Rhys was stationed in East Lothian and will be sadly missed. He was a popular and devoted officer and support is being given to his colleagues.
“Rhys’ parents and fiancée were exceptionally proud of his chosen career and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this tragic time.”
Both occupants of the Peugeot sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Borders General Hospital for treatment.
The road was closed in both directions for around eight hours while emergency services attended the scene and carried out a collision investigation.
Sergeant Ross Drummond from the Road Policing Unit in Dalkeith is investigating the collision and added: “This incident has tragically resulted in death of a young man and a colleague.
“Our inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and anyone who was on the road at the time and witnessed what happened, is urged to contact police.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2195 of 15th July.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
