Relative behind the wheel of car which killed mum

Published on Thursday 2 July 2009 10:09

A MOTHER-OF-THREE who was knocked down and killed in a supermarket car park was run over by her sister-in-law who was trying to reverse into a parking bay.

Police are treating the death of Jackie Monteith, who had been the popular manager at The Mechanic Arms pub in Gilmerton for around 16 years, as a tragic accident.

She died after becoming trapped beneath the wheels of the Citroen Picasso her sister-in-law was driving, at Sainsbury's in Loanhead, Midlothian, on Tuesday.

Her family said today they were "devastated" by her death and paid tribute to her as the "life and soul" of any gathering.

The 41-year-old, who lived in Gilmerton, was carrying her three-year-old granddaughter at the time of the accident, it emerged today. She too became trapped under the vehicle's wheels and remains in a "stable and healthy condition" at the Sick Kids Hospital.

Mrs Monteith – whose husband died of a heart attack around four years ago – and the toddler were trapped under the vehicle's wheels and firefighters had to use high pressure airbags to lift the car off.

Her sister-in-law named as Amanda Wood had to be taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment for shock following the accident.

In a statement, her family said: "Our whole family is devastated by the news of Jackie's accident.

"Jackie was the life and soul of any family or social occasions and her smile and laugh could fill any room. She was the much-loved manager of The Mechanic Arms pub in Gilmerton, where all her customers are shocked and distressed by the news.

"Jackie's children Liam, Stacey and Shannon are being comforted by their grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. All our family would like to thank everybody for their support at this time."

Regulars at The Mechanic Arms in Drum Street were shocked and upset by Mrs Monteith's death following the accident at 1:10pm on Tuesday. Bouquets of flowers were left outside the bar in her memory.

Mrs Monteith was known as a tireless fundraiser for charity, and helped stage a number of events to benefits good causes over the years.

A friend, who asked not to be named, said: "Jackie was a very vibrant, go-ahead girl who always had a smile on her face. She would help anyone. There was something about her that nothing was ever a problem.

"She was such a fun-loving person that no one can believe this has happened. There will be a huge turnout for her funeral because she was so popular."

Police today made a fresh appeal to anyone at the scene who may have witnessed the accident to contact police on 0131-311 3131.