Tributes paid to 'hero' Scots marine killed in two vehicle crash in Australian outback
The devastated brother of a former Scots marine, who tragically died in a horror road crash in Australia, has paid tribute to "his hero".
James Robert Reynolds died in hospital after suffering 'critical injuries' when his red Toyota Hilux collided with a white Volkswagen T-Cross in Lydon, Western Australia, at around 9:15am on Sunday, July 27.
The 25-year-old, from Fraserburgh, moved to Australia just over a year ago, where he was working as a mechanical fitter after being in the Royal Marines for six years.
He leaves behind his mum Kerry and dad John, as well as siblings Amy, Faith-Marie and William John, who described him as a "great man" when paying tribute.
William said: "On the 27th of July at 10:50am I got the devastating news that my brother James had died. I'm absolutely heartbroken and genuinely just can't believe it at all.
"My brother was a great man, he spent five to six years in the Royal Marines and was my biggest role model. He was my hero and has been for many others.
"If you've spent the time to read this then please go tell your loved ones you love them and give them a hug because life is so precious and it's scary how fast it can be taken away.
"I never got the chance to say goodbye or I love you to James since he was all the way out in Australia when this happened. RIP bro."
James had posted on his social media just two days before the tragic accident showing video footage of a road trip with his girlfriend Katie Simpson, who is also from Scotland.
The couple were exploring Hutt Lagoon - the famous pink lake - and Kalbarri. A red Toyota appears to be in the footage.
Police in Western Australia have confirmed that a 25-year-old woman, who was the passenger in the vehicle James was driving, sustained minor injuries and a 50-year-old woman who was driving the Volkswagen sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, following the crash.
The UK Government's foreign office say they are supporting the family of a British man who who died in Australia.
A spokesperson for Western Australia Police Force said: "Officers from the Major Crash Investigation Section are investigating a fatal crash which occurred in Lyndon (approximately 160kms east of Coral Bay) on Sunday, 27 July 2025.
"About 9.30am, emergency services responded to reports a red Toyota Hilux utility and a white Volkswagen T-Cross station sedan had collided on Coral Bay Road, near Milinya-Exmouth Road.
"The 25-year-old male driver of the Toyota Hilux was conveyed by paramedics to the Coral Bay Nursing Post with critical injuries but later died.
"The 25-year-old female passenger of the same vehicle sustained minor injuries and was conveyed to Coral Bay Nursing Post for treatment.
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"The 50-year-old female driver and sole occupant of the Volkswagen sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment."
An FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Australia, and are in contact with the local authorities.'
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