Funeral For M9 Stirling Crash Victim

30 July 2015, 06:09 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

John Yuill

The funeral will be held for the victim of car crash which went undiscovered by police for three days.

John Yuill, 28, died when his car came off the M9 in Stirlingshire on July 5.

His partner Lamara Bell, 25, lay criticially injured for around 72 hours after officers failed to follow up a report on the accident.

Friends and family of Mr Yuill will attend a service at St Francis Xaviers Church in Falkirk as an independent investigation into the police error continues.

Mr Yuill's father Gordon said in a statement: "Today we lay our beloved son to rest after his tragic accident, which also claimed the life of his girlfriend, Lamara Bell.

"We would like to say thanks for all the support we have received from friends, family and the community.''

Ms Bell survived the crash near Stirling but died in hospital a week later. Her funeral will be held on Friday.

A member of the public called to report the accident and an operator took the details but they were not entered onto the police system and followed up.

The couple's blue Renault Clio was found down an embankment when officers received another call from a member of the public on July 8.

Ms Bell's family said in a message to relatives of Mr Yuill on the day of his funeral: "With our deepest sympathy.

"For those we've loved and lost. We can never be more than a thought apart.

"For as long as they live in our memory they live on in our hearts.

"May friends comfort you, faith uphold you and loving memories heal your heart.''

Following the crash Scottish Justice Secretary Michael Matheson ordered a review of all police call handling.

The case is also the subject of an independent probe by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).

Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House has said he will not resign over the failure.