[T]he man who died following a collision yesterday (29th December) on the A66 has been identified as Freddie Maitland, aged 28, of Kirkcudbright.
At around 5.50pm on Friday 29th December 2017 a road traffic collision occurred on the A66 at Crackenthorpe. The collision involved a Nissan 370Z and a Mercedes HGV.
The driver of the Nissan, Freddie Maitland, was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary but despite the best efforts of medical staff died from his injuries.
The driver of the HGV, a 34-year-old man, was unhurt.
Dr Theo Weston said: “At 18.00 on Friday 29th Dec, two BEEP Fund Doctors from Penrith & Keswick responded, at the request of the Northwest Ambulance Service, to a serious RTC on the A66 near Crackenthorpe, Penrith.
The driver of the car involved suffered extremely serious injuries and was trapped in his vehicle for approximately 30 minutes before being extricated by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
He was immediately given intensive specialist medical treatment at the scene by the doctors and NWAS paramedics and also continuing this en-route to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
“However, despite their best efforts he sadly passed away shortly after reaching hospital. Our thoughts & condolences are with his family at this very sad time.”
The road was closed for over 6 hours whilst forensic collision investigations were carried out. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed.
Anybody who stopped at the scene, especially any vehicles that were travelling Westbound, towards Penrith, are asked to contact police.
Police are especially keen to speak to the driver of a grey VW Golf that stopped on the grass verge adjacent to the collision scene.
The family of Freddie Maitland have paid tribute to his life, Jamie and Jane Maitland said: “Our dear Freddie died in a horrible accident. We have lost our beloved third child, and Emma and Adam their maddening little brother. We are numb with sadness. He had a knack of making friends and was happiest when the centre of attention. His strong sense of right and wrong did not always extend to respect for other people’s wardrobe. We all loved him very much.”
Anybody with any information or was at the scene prior to police arrival is asked to contact either PC 2367 Sam Baker or Sgt 1929 Martin Bainbridge by calling 101.
