Muthill mourns loss of popular woman

Feb 26 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A TIGHT-KNIT Perthshire community was in shock yesterday after a popular local woman was killed in a horrific car crash near Madderty.

Carrie Anderson (29), from Muthill, was driving her Peugeot 206 coupe on the road from Tibbermore to Crieff about 1.20pm on Tuesday when it collided with a Renault minibus at the St David’s crossroads.

Tayside road police believe the secretary failed to give way at the junction, the Renault slammed into the Peugeot’s driver side and the impact threw her from the vehicle.

Paramedics were quickly on the scene thanks to a passing motorist’s phone call but could not save Carrie, who died at the scene as a result of severe head injuries.

The minibus occupants – a man, woman and youth on their way to Dundee – were treated for minor injuries at PRI.

While a police crash investigation report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, it is believed the male Renault driver is unlikely to face any charges.

Locals in Muthill, where Ms Anderson lived in a Ward Road bungalow with her two cats, told the PA that the community was stunned and grief-stricken by the tragic news.

“It’s such a wee place. Everyone knows one another and Carrie was a very popular lassie around here. It’s such a sad loss,” said Anna Boston, Muthill Village Store and Post Office proprietor.

“Carrie was really bubbly, funny, and always on the go. Nothing was too much for her. I’d not seen around that much since she got her new job in Perth – and she just bought that car a few months ago.”

Originally from Auchterarder, Carrie was living with her partner Michael Ward until he received a five-year prison sentence in 2008 after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of amphetamine.

It is understood Carrie’s final contact with her imprisoned lover was on the phone on Tuesday morning and that the bereaved Ward (47), whose mother died shortly after he was jailed, is inconsolable with grief.

Another Muthill local, who declined to be named, said: “Carrie and Michael were as good as married.

“Michael’s son has learning difficulties and Carrie was just fantastic with him. He only responded to her.”

Ward’s brother Pat, believed to be looking after Carrie’s cats, said it was “not my place to say anything”.

Carrie’s distressed parents, meanwhile, told police they did not wish to speak to media.

Crieff councillor Helen McDonald said: “It’s very sad when anyone dies in such circumstances but more so when it’s such a young girl with her whole life ahead of her. My thoughts are with her family.”