A FORMER soldier from the Highlands who served in Afghanistan has become the third victim of a horrific car crash.
David Forsyth was driving a Ford Focus when it was in a head-on collision with a Ford Ka in East Lothian.
The driver of the other car, 21-year-old Dawn Morris, died at the scene.
Her rear-seat passenger, Claire Jamieson, who was also 21, died later in hospital.
Both women were from the Cowdenbeath area of Fife.
Two other 20-year-old women were also injured in the smash. One of the survivors is understood to have been a passenger in Mr Forsyth’s car.
Mr Forsyth, 23, was a former pupil of Invergordon Academy who left school to start a successful career in the Army.
He recently left the forces after six years of service, during which he was a combat engineer with 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), Royal Engineers. Mr Forsyth spent six months in Afghanistan’s Helmand province in early 2011, when he and colleagues built roads and bridges and fortified compounds while under fire.
He said he was proud of his achievements in the country.
Mr Forsyth told the Press and Journal two years ago: “I am very proud of what I do and the difference we are making. The locals often come out to watch us work and give us their support. They tell us we have made a big difference to their lives by improving the roads.”
It is understood Mr Forsyth was looking for a job in the oil and gas industry in the Highlands following his Army career and had worked for multinational Amec in the past.
Former colleagues at the firm said yesterday that their thoughts were with his family.
Local councillor Maxine Smith said Mr Forsyth was well liked in the town and had many friends.
Pals have also posted touching online tributes to the young man.
Ashley MacPherson said: “Words just can’t even describe this, can’t believe it David, you were truly one in a million, sleep tight beautiful.”
And Alice Drever said: “I will never forget you for as long as I live, you were one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Sleep tight angel.”
Firefighters had to use hydraulic cutting gear to free four of the people who were in the vehicles when they collided on the A1 Berwick-Edinburgh road near Torness Power Station.
Two of the women and Mr Forsyth were airlifted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by a search-and-rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland, while another woman was taken to hospital by road.
Part of the A1 was closed for six hours while police investigated.
The accident happened about 7.40pm on Thursday, January 9.
Mr Forsyth died from his injuries earlier this week.