Beloved mum killed in horror crash as cars plough into horses on main road
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for an "amazing" mother who tragically died in a crash after horses ran loose on the road.
Lesley McTear, from Dreghorn in Scotland[1], died after a crash between a car and a van on the A737 at Howwood, Renfrewshire, on Monday. Emergency services were called to the freak accident at around 3.10am.
Police and medics found the 59-year-old and sadly pronounced her dead at the scene. Ms McTear was named as the passenger in the Mercedes A-Class car. At around the same time, police were also called to reports of six horses running loose. Four of the horses were killed after they were hit by vehicles.
Ms McTear's family[2] have since issued an emotional statement and said she was the "glue that kept us all together". It read: "Lesley was a loving wife, mother, grandma and daughter in law. As a family, we are deeply saddened by the events that have caused such a void in our family.
Woman and four horses killed in horror smash between Mercedes and van[3]
"Lesley was the glue that kept us all together and anyone who was lucky enough to know Lesley was showered by her unconditional love." Emotional tributes[4] have since poured in online for the doting mum. A woman, who appeared to be her daughter, posted on Facebook[5]: "Mum, Love you." Another person wrote: "Sending you all so much love your Mum was an amazing woman." A third wrote: "Your mum was a lovely lady, who was such great company. She adored her family and was so proud of you all."
Another said: "Never in a million years did I ever think something like this would happen. It’s tragic and she will leave a void in so many people’s lives. Lesley was a very dear friend to me and loved by many. I’m devastated for her beautiful family as she simply loved and adored them. I will miss you Lesley but I will definitely never forget you. Sleep tight my lovely, beautiful and very precious friend."
The 52-year-old man driving the car was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow[6] while a 33-year-old man who was also a passenger was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. The man driving the MAN Box van, 59, was also taken to the Paisley hospital where both men were assessed.
The road closed for an investigation and reopened at 2pm. Sgt Jack Swindells, of scotland[7]>Police Scotland[8], said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died and everyone involved." Our inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and anyone who can assist with our investigation who has not already spoken to officers is asked to get in touch."
Police Scotland are asking anyone who can help to call 101, quoting incident number 0291 of September 23 2024.