'Devastated' family pays tribute to 'beloved' grandad who died in Peebles crash

A family has been left “devastated” following the death of a “beloved” grandad who died following a crash in Peebles.

Philip Rotherham was travelling in a silver Honda HRV on Whitehaugh Park at around 6.25pm on November 6 when the vehicle crashed.

The 87-year-old was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Mr Rotherham’s 80-year-old wife, who was also in the car, was taken to hospital for treatment.

In a statement, Mr Rotherham’s family said he would be “deeply missed”.

“The sudden loss of our beloved dad, grandad, brother, uncle and husband is devastating,” the statement read.

They said Mr Rotherman had “left us too soon”, adding that he had lived a long life but was an active 87-year-old.

“As well as being an involved member of his community, Phillip was a quiet and thoughtful man who loved nature,” the statement added.

“Taking care of his garden and observing wildlife brought him great pleasure. He was also an avid reader, seeking solace and comfort in fiction. His kindness and care will be deeply missed and his absence leaves an immense void in all our lives.”

They continued: “As a family we’d like to thank the committed emergency services professionals who rushed to the scene and were able to save his beloved wife. We’d also like to extend our thanks to the local community for your compassion at this difficult time.”

Enquiries in to the crash are ongoing, and Police Scotland is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Sergeant Philip Winning said: “Our thoughts remain with the family as we continue our enquiries into the collision.

“I’d like to ask anyone with information, who hasn’t already spoken to police, to please come forward. You can call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3057 of November 6.”