A motorcyclist who died in a horror crash on a notorious Scottish road has been named locally as 63-year-old John Hammerton, from Arbroath.
John, a former Royal Marine, tragically passed away following the smash on the A9 near Auchterarder, Perthshire, at around 11.30pm on Friday, May 19.
Emergency services raced to the scene but the biker could not be saved. Three other people involved had to be taken to hospital for treatment. Their conditions are not yet known.
The road was locked down throughout the night, with cops opening it shortly after 6.30am on Saturday. The force have launched a probe and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Meanwhile, tributes have been paid on social media to John, known affectionately as 'Hammy', in the wake of his sad death. Posting to the Royal Marines Association - East of Scotland Branch Facebook page, Steve Millan said: "It is with the deepest regret that I must inform friends of John (hammy) Hammerton that he was killed after a collision on his bike. Sincere sympathies to his family at this horrendous time."
Sinbad Edwards wrote: "Shocked, stunned, gutted and saddened to hear my old mate, former Royal Marine John Hammerton, has crossed the bar. RIP Hammy."
Mark Davies, a self-defence instructor for The Best Defence in Arbroath, said on Facebook: "John was quite simply one of the best blokes I have had the pleasure to know. John loved TaeKwon-Do & Tactical Edge, & rarely missed a class.
"A former Royal Marine with that typical black sense of humour, he was just a great person to be around. I will miss you deeply John, & I am honoured to have called you my friend, & to have had you as one of my black belts."
Donna Walton said: "John was a lovely man, I remember him from when Louis went to Best Defence classes when he was younger. John was always there to help and encourage him. RIP Mr Hammerton x"
Charlie Ogston said: "Can’t believe this is happening but you’ll be missed Hammy you were always family to me I love and miss you loads."
Zoe Hamilton said: "I’m so sorry to hear this! I first met John when I worked at the Central Bar when I was about 18. His dark sense of humour always made me laugh! He will be missed greatly! Thoughts to all his friends and family."
Colin Robertson said: "I’m sorry to hear this awful news about John,he was a very polite man and was great with my kids."
Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses to the crash, and said that while formal identification was still to be carried out, his next of kin were aware.
Police Sergeant William Strachan for the Road Policing Unit said: “Our enquiries are continuing to understand the full circumstances of what happened. Sadly, the male motorcyclist died, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage, and has not yet spoken to or provided this information to officers, to contact us as soon as possible.
“The road re-opened at 6.35 am on Saturday, May 20. I want to thank members of the public for their patience while we investigated this serious collision. Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 5120 of Friday, May 19, 2023.”
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