First picture of co-driver killed at Jim Clark Rally as tributes paid to motorsport enthusiast
Dai Roberts, 39, died at the scene of the crash near Duns, Borders, on Saturday morning.
A co-driver who was killed in a crash at the Jim Clark Rally has been named as Dai Roberts.
The fatal incident took place on the D41/6 Edrom Mains road, near Duns, Borders, at around 10.50am on Saturday, May 24. Emergency services attended but tragically, Dai, 39, from Carmarthen in Wales, who was the co-driver of the vehicle, died at the scene.
Driver, James Williams, 27, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. The remainder of the closed-road event was cancelled along with the Reivers Rally, scheduled for Sunday.
A statement from James William Rallying reads: "Update from the Team. It is with a heavy heart, we have to share this sad news this afternoon.
"The motorsport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts - who lost his life in an incident at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday 24 May 2025.
"James has been taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.
"We will provide updates as and when we have them. Please respect the privacy of the families and team at this time."
Tributes have since poured in for Dai from the motorsporting world.
Writing online, Sambo Collis said: "Can't believe I'm typing this. The first time I met Dai was on the classic tracks some 20 years ago, he made us feel very welcome competing in South Wales, from then on I was happy to class him as a mate.
"A wicked sense of humour, a fantastic co driver and a lunatic behind the wheel! What rallying has put the poor Roberts family through certainly makes you question things."
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The BBC reports that Dai survived a previous crash at the Ulster Rally in 2014 which killed 20-year-old driver Timothy Cathcart. Tragically, his brother Gareth died competing in a rally in Sicily in June 2012.
Nick Young said: "Rest in peace Dai, you're finally reunited with Gareth Roberts, Craig Breen, and Timmy, My thoughts are with your family and friends sir.
"It was a pleasure to know you. James Williams Rallying I wish you a speedy recovery."
In 2014 three spectators were killed and six more were injured at the Jim Clark Rally when two cars lost control and veered into a viewing area.
Iain Provan, 64, Elizabeth Allan, 63, and Len Stern, 71, died.
The deaths came after Joy Robson, 51, lost her life at the Snowman Rally the previous year.
A fatal accident inquiry later found the deaths could have been prevented if people had been clearly banned from standing in the area where the crash happened.
The event returned five years later in 2019, after 'rigorous steps' were taken to ensure safety.
Superintendent Vincent Fisher said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.'
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