Car death victim’s joy just weeks before crash
Ross Graham and Christina Vibert with Cali
A MAN who lost his life in a horror road smash had become a father again only weeks before his death.
Ross Graham, 22, became dad to Cali in November and had just enjoyed his first Christmas with her.
Today his partner, Christina Vibert, 26, was fighting for her life at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. She is believe to be on life support and her family is keeping a bedside vigil.
Mr Graham was killed when a lorry collided with his Honda CRX at the Clovenstone Roundabout in Wester Hailes Road on Sunday afternoon.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ms Vibert was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
The couple were already raising a six year-old girl before their daughter Cali was born. The girls are being cared for by members of the family.
Friends and neighbours of the couple in Sighthill View are devastated by the accident and Mr Graham’s sudden death.
John Rooney, 25, from Westburn, who played roller hockey with Mr Graham, said: “It’s so sad. It was only a few weeks ago that his partner had a baby girl.
“Ross was a great guy, he was happy – you couldn’t say a bad thing about him.”
Police said they were still looking for witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 1.30pm on Sunday, and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Mr Graham’s immediate family were too upset to speak when contacted by the Evening News.
However, he was praised by members of his local community.
Mr Rooney said: “The last time I spoke to him was in October because Christina’s daughter was in a dancing competition and my wee sister was taking part as well.
“He was just this guy who was always there for his friends and family.
“He would have done anything for them. He will be missed a lot.”
Mr Rooney’s partner, Alana Dudgeon, 24, from Sighthill, said: “I actually heard about it on Facebook, with people saying, ‘rest in peace, Ross’.
“I thought, Ross who? Then I saw his photo and all the messages about the crash and I felt instantly sick.
“I turned to John and just said: ‘You won’t believe this’.”
Ms Dudgeon added: “Ross was loved by all of his friends – he was just a really nice guy, always there for everybody. You could always count on Ross.”
A roadside tribute at the place where Mr Graham was killed began to build yesterday.
One message read: “Can’t believe you’re gone mate – didn’t think this would ever happen. RIP.”
Another said: “Love you always. So sad to see you gone. Sunshines no more. RIP Ross.”
And a third said: “Ross – I can’t believe this has happened mate. Out of anyone in this world, defo shouldn’t have been you. Words can’t describe how much I’m going to miss you.”
There was also a message which said simply: “Christina, I hope to God you pull through.”
Ms Vibert posted a photo of ner new daughter on Facebook on December 19 with the message: “My baby cali - just want to hold er forever xxx.”
A Facebook tribute to Mr Graham said: “Words can’t describe how much I’m gonny miss you.”
Officers at Lothian and Borders Police, who closed the scene of the crash for five hours to carry out an initial investigation, said they wanted to speak to anyone who saw or has information on the incident.
Road Policing Sergeant Andy Gibb said: “We continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding this collision, which, tragically, resulted in the death of a young man.
“Road users who were in the area of the Clovenstone Roundabout at around 1.30pm on Sunday are asked to come forward if they have information that can help us.”
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Weather for Edinburgh
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 3 C to 13 C
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