Freak accident kills dad, 36

A FAMILY man who died after an incident with a bus on a public road was killed by a freak accident – falling on to the window of the parked bus before cracking his head on the roadway.

Ross Henderson, 36, died from his injuries several hours later in hospital and his relatives are now rallying round to support the “broken family”.

The fatal mishap, which took place on a rural road in Kirkliston on Saturday afternoon, is believed to have occurred while Mr Henderson was standing in front of a bus which he stumbled into – cracking a window with his head – before then falling and hitting his head on the roadway.

Witnesses suggested Mr Henderson had been acting erratically before stumbling to the ground at Path Brae.

It is thought be may have tripped over his own legs.

It had earlier been reported that Mr Henderson had been hit by a bus, but it is now understood the vehicle was stationary at the time of the accident.

Police are investigating the tragedy and have appealed for witnesses to come forward and shed light on events leading up to his death.

They are particularly keen to speak to passengers travelling on board the bus.

Floral tributes and messages of condolence have been left near the scene of the accident.

One poignant memorial, thought to have been written by relatives, read: “Dear Ross, such a tragic loss. You will be sorely missed by us all. We promise to support the twins and your mum and dad and hopefully in time rebuild a broken family.

“Sleep tight young man, Uncle Tosh, Auntie Doreen, Keiran, Gareth.”

A friend also left flowers with the message: “Cannot believe I’ll never see that smile again, won’t hear that laugh again but I do have priceless memories of growing up with you that will stay with me forever. I will miss you mate.”

Several bouquets of flowers have been left beside the hand-written tributes as the village community tries to come to terms with the tragedy.

On the microblogging website Twitter, friends of Mr Henderson spoke of their 
devastation.

Keith Lesslie wrote: “Raising a glass to my mate Ross Henderson who tragically passed away earlier today. RIP big man!”

Donna Dalgety said: “RIP Ross Henderson all in shock and disbelief. Thoughts and prayers to everyone who feels his loss.”

Local councillor Lindsay Paterson said the death would come as a “huge shock” to Kirkliston and said there would be a “thorough investigation” into the circumstances of the accident.

She said: “My thoughts are with his friends and family at the moment. In due course I’m sure there will be a thorough investigation to find out how this happened and to ensure that it does not happen again.

“It’s a terrible tragedy.”

Echoing these views, Cllr Alastair Shields said: “It’s very sad to hear of the tragedy that occurred in Kirkliston over the weekend. My thoughts are with the man’s family at this unimaginably painful time.”