Families of couple and young daughters who died in Scottish Highlands car crash ‘utterly devastated’

Two parents and and their two young daughters who died in a car crash in the Scottish Highlands have been named, with their families saying the impact of the accident will be “felt far and wide”.

Rhys Cousin, 25, and Gemma Cousin, 26, were travelling with Peyton, three, and Heidi, one, when their Mini Cooper collided with a Ford Fiesta on the A82 by Hillfarm, Torlundy, near Fort William at about 5.30pm on Thursday.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 56-year-old woman, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, relatives have described their loss as “utterly devastating”.

“Both families are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Gemma, Rhys, Peyton and Heidi,” said a statement.

“They were a young family with so much to look forward to. To have their lives cut short so suddenly and in such circumstances is utterly devastating.

“As a young couple Gemma and Rhys worked really hard to provide a loving, secure and safe home and family life for their girls who they were totally devoted to. They were known by many with both families being extended and their loss will be felt far and wide.

“Due to the horrific circumstances we would like to thank the emergency services and everyone who was involved on the night. We would also like to thank everyone for the support we continue to receive.

“As a family, we now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the loss of Rhys, Gemma, Peyton and Heidi.”

Anyone who witnessed the crash or the vehicles involved beforehand, or has dash cam footage or other information that could help, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 2942 of 20 February

(c) Sky News 2020: Families of couple and young daughters who died in Scottish Highlands car crash ‘utterly devastated’