TRIBUTES have been paid to a “very popular and happy young man” who died just days after being seriously injured in a road accident near Jedburgh.

Eighteen-year-old Dale Whillans, who played amateur football in Hawick, was a passenger in a black Seat car when it left the road and landed in a field, approximately one mile west of Cleikemin, at around 2pm last Monday, April 6.

He was rushed to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh for treatment to his injuries but passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Dale’s family have spoken of their devastation at their loss.

And now police have appealed for information to find out what happened.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Dale’s family said: “It goes without saying that Dale was taken from us at far too young an age and we cannot put into words the devastation we are all feeling.

“Dale was a very popular and happy young man. He was such a big part of all of our lives and will never be forgotten.

“We are all deeply saddened by his death and would ask to be left to grieve in private at this sensitive time.” Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and police are particularly keen to hear from drivers who may have seen the vehicle shortly before the collision, which also resulted in injuries to the driver and another passenger.

Sergeant Vincent Fisher said: “An 18-year-old man has unfortunately passed away as a result of the injuries he sustained.

“Police are very keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle shortly before the incident.

“Those with any information that can assist with our ongoing enquiries is asked to call police immediately on 101 or via the charity Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”