Family describes 'immeasurable' loss of 'much-loved' dad who died in crash

The family of a man who died in a crash moments after two drivers were seen racing has described the loss as “immeasurable”.

Gary Patterson died, and his wife Miriam was seriously injured after being hit by a black VW Sirocco driven by Adam Smith, who also died, in July 2021.

Mr Smith, 35, had been racing Daniel Kelly on the A713 near Patna, Ayrshire, before the head-on collision which claimed the life of the 75-year-old grandfather.

Kelly was sentenced having been convicted of dangerous driving at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

A trial heard that Kelly had been driving at excessive speed, overtaking when unsafe to do so and driving at “close proximity at speed”.

Gary’s daughter Catherine told the court she saw a black car head-on and a silver car in its own lane before being hit by the former.

Judge Welsh imposed a community payback order as a “direct alternative” to custody.

He ordered Kelly to perform 250 hours of community service, which has to be performed within 12 months and placed him under supervision for 15 months.

Following the sentencing, Mr Smith’s family said: “Gary was a much-loved and devoted husband, dad, and papa, and a wonderful brother, uncle, and friend.

“The loss we have suffered is immeasurable but the outpouring of love and support from those around us has brought much comfort – we now kindly request our privacy is respected as we attempt to move forward.”