Former Raith Rovers footballer Paul Hampshire dies after being hit by car in East Lothian
Tributes are being paid to the 40-year-old
Tributes have been paid to former Raith Rovers, Berwick Rangers and East Fife footballer Paul Hampshire, who died after being struck by a car in East Lothian.
Police were called to a collision involving a Ford Fiesta on the A1 near Dunbar around 1am on Sunday the 13th of March.
Today officers named the 40-year-old as the man who lost his life.
In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: “It is with a saddened heart that Paul Hampshire, our beloved husband, dad, son, brother and uncle, has lost his life in a tragic accident.
“Paul was a devoted family man who was a larger than life character, an absolute legend and was loved by all who knew him.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of condolence and support. It has meant so much to the whole family. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
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Inspector Brenda Sinclair, from Dalkeith Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Paul’s family and friends at this terrible time.
“Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing and we continue to urge anyone with information, or possible dashcam footage from the area, to call 101, quoting incident number 0269 of Sunday, 13 March, 2022.”
'A wonderful left foot'
Paul's former clubs have also issued tributes following his death.
A statement from Raith Rovers read: "Paul is remembered as being blessed with a wonderful left foot, and he left the Rovers to sign for Berwick Rangers in May 2003.
"Our thoughts are with the Hampshire family."
Vice-Chairman of Berwock Rangers Craig Forsyth said: “We were incredibly saddened to learn about Paul’s passing.
“Paul was a fantastic, technically gifted footballer – the sort fans would pay their admission money alone to watch – and was a great asset to the club in his two seasons, particularly in the 2003/04 season when he only missed one league match.
“He was also a top professional and a great person to be around, and all at the club would like to send our condolences to Paul’s family at this sad time.”