Funeral for Dunbar teen killed in Tyninghame crash

David Armstrong's coffin is carried into the church. Picture: HeMedia

More than 400 people attended into Our Lady of the Waves church in the 15 year-old’s home town of Dunbar for a requiem mass in which well-wishers had to stand outside due to the number of mourners in attendance.

Deacon Gordon Graham, who gave the homily, said the day was “a tribute not only to David but to the whole community of Dunbar”, who had come to show their love and support for the schoolboy’s parents Davie and Andrea.

David died along with friends Jenna Barbour, 18, and Josh Stewart, 16, when a Peugeot 206 they were in crashed into a wall near Tyninghame on November 25.

Deacon Graham said: “The family have taken much comfort from seeing so many people here. I don’t think we’ve ever had so many people at the church.

“With David, Josh and Jenna, three bright sparks have been taken from our town and their loss is something that is being felt by the whole community.

“The town, the county and indeed the country has been devastated.

“It is a very sad occasion for the family and the town, but the community has rallied wonderfully.”

The ballad ‘In the Arms of an Angel’ was played at the beginning of the service and another, ‘A Thousand Years’, was the recessional.

The mass also included traditional hymns ‘Walk With Me, Oh My Lord’, ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace’, ‘Oh Lord My God’ - popularly known as ‘How Great Thou Art’ - and ‘Do Not Be Afraid’.

David was later buried in the town’s Deer Park Cemetary, where Deacon Graham said he had never seen so many people standing by a graveside.

In a statement released after the tragedy, David’s mother Andrea said: “Our family is still in a state of complete shock following David’s death and we are struggling to come to terms with our loss.

“David was a kind-hearted and good-mannered boy, who was always respectful of adults and his peers and was a loving brother to his sister.

“He was athletic, enjoyed playing computer games and had a cheeky wink that made him such a wonderful person to know.

“We are grateful for all the kind words of support we’re receiving at this time and would like to thank our family and friends for their condolences.”

A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the crash.