‘We are broken’: Distraught dad pays tribute to daughter, six, and partner killed in horror Scots crash
A devastated dad who lost his partner and daughter in a horror road smash has told how he has been left "broken" by the tragedy.
Mensi Aliu's partner Rebecca Hill, 32, and six-year-old daughter Arianna both died in the collision on the A78 in Ayrshire on Tuesday.
Since their deaths family and friends have paid tribute to them, with Mr Aliu saying he was "broken" but needed to stay strong for the couple's other daughters, Ellie and Zahra.
He said: "Thank you all for the support means a lot to me. I'm deep down broken but I'll be the strongest man for my other girls."
The tragedy happened after Rebecca's white VW Passat crashed on the road near to the B713 junction between Catrine and Auchinleck at around 5pm.
Emergency crews attended but tragically Arianna was pronounced dead at the scene and Rebecca was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, but tragically died shortly afterwards.
Rebecca's heartbroken sister Aimee, from Kilmarnock, also paid tribute to her big sister and niece, calling them "perfect angels" on social media.
On Tuesday night I lost my big sister and my little best friend in a matter of seconds. I can’t express the pain we are going through as a family
Rebecca's sister Aimee
In an emotional post, she wrote: "On Tuesday night I lost my big sister and my little best friend in a matter of seconds.
"I can’t express the pain we are going through as a family. My sister lived for my nieces and I hope we can do her proud with Ellie & Zahra.
"She was the best mum there ever was and we are going to be so lost without her.
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"I would do anything to trade places with them or to have one more sleepover with my darling girl.
"Saying goodbye to the most two perfect angels will be a feeling that will never leave me. I’m just sorry I couldn’t have saved yous both.
"My only regret in life will be not telling yous how much I loved you both enough."
Love Island star Laura Anderson, who is a friend of Aimee's, also sent her condolences, saying: "All my love and strength I can't even imagine how you and all of your family are feeling and coping right now. Always here if you need anything at all. Thinking of you, I'm so, so sorry. Speak soon x."
Another pal, Rose McBride added: " I can’t even begin to imagine how you & your family are feeling Aimee, I have been thinking of you all day. Sending you so much love & strength through this heart breaking time
Saying goodbye to the most two perfect angels will be a feeling that will never leave me. I’m just sorry I couldn’t have saved yous both
Rebecca's sister Aimee
Another added: "Absolutely heartbreaking Rebecca was such a lovely, kind person who did everything for her girls. Sending love to all the family."
Someone else said: "Can't believe this tragic news. Rebecca you were a beautiful person inside and out, I have many found memories I will cherish always. Rest easy and all my love to family".
While a fourth shared: "I just can't even imagine the pain the family are going through. Rebecca was a beautiful girl with an even more beautiful heart. So tragic".
Police locked down the road for seven hours after the crash to allow collision investigators to conduct inquiries at the scene.
FULL POLICE STATEMENT
POLICE Scotland released a statement after Rebecca and Arianna's tragic death yesterday.
It said: "A mother and child who died in a single-vehicle crash in East Ayrshire have been named as 32-year-old Rebecca Hill and her six-year-old daughter, Arianna Aliu.
"Around 5pm on Tuesday, 24 September, 2024, officers were called to a report of a crash involving a White VW Passat, on the A76 near to the junction with the B713, between Catrine and Auchinleck.
"Emergency services attended, however Arianna was pronounced dead at the scene.
";Rebecca was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where she died a short time later.
"The road was closed for around seven hours to allow for investigations to take place."
The force has also launched a probe into the incident and has said that enquiries are ongoing.
Inspector Kenny Malaney said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident at this extremely difficult time. Specialist officers are assisting Rebecca and Arianna's family.
"We would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help and made the call to the emergency services.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash, or may have been in the area at the time, to contact us.
I just can't even imagine the pain the family are going through. Rebecca was a beautiful girl with an even more beautiful heart. So tragic
Tribute on Facebook
"I am also keen to speak to anyone who have may have dashcam footage showing the Passat prior to the crash.
“Anyone with information should contact police.”
The tragedy comes just four months after two drivers lost their lives on the same day, at the same black spot on the A76.
Auchinleck Talbot supporter Tommy Griffin, 43 was killed after he crashed into a tree on May 20, and flowers, club shirts and scarves still remain at the site.
Just hours later, on the same day biker Tony Currie, 34, died after crashing a Yamaha YZF-R6 on the A76.
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Locals living in nearby village, Catrine say they avoid the notorious road because of the danger.
The local said: "It makes me choked up just thinking about that poor wee girl."