Latest news with #DaiRoberts
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash Dai Roberts from the Carmarthen area died 13 years after his brother was also killed in a rally crash. He's been described as a 'winner in life' who had a 'big, big heart' Rally co-driver Dai Roberts from Carmarthenshire, who died in a crash on May 24 (Image: Motorsport UK ) Almost £150,000 has been raised for the family of 'one of the best' who tragically died in a rally car during an event in Scotland. Dai Roberts, from Carmarthenshire, was killed on Saturday, May 24, having been involved in a crash while taking part in the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders. Emergency services were called to the crash site that morning but Mr Roberts, who was 39, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was co-driver in the rally car, while the driver, James Williams, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. To make matters even more tragic for the Roberts family, Dai's brother Gareth also died while rallying in Sicily 13 years ago. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . In the wake of Mr Roberts' death last month, a fundraising page was set up in order to raise 'as much as possible for the funeral and on-going support for Dai's wife and children'. Incredibly, more than £100,000 was raised to help Mr Roberts' family in less than two days, while now, less than two weeks later, the total stands at £147,855. Motorsport journalist Luke Barry wrote on the website Dirtfish: 'It never, ever gets any easier. It never, ever feels fair. But for a family that has gone through so much pain, the heartbreaking loss of Dai Roberts has been particularly tough to take. 'The impact he made on the rallying community is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism and, above all, kindness. Article continues below 'Everybody has a story about him - each and every one unique and now so dearly cherished. But all underpinned by one common theme: Dai's big, big heart. Even when he didn't have time to speak to you, he made time to speak to you. 'The outpouring of emotion and online tributes since the heartbreaking news speak volumes. Dai improved lives. Dai was a winner on the special stages, but more importantly a winner in life.' Dai Roberts (right) with driver James Williams, who was also injured in the crash (Image: James Williams media office ) Other tributes paid to Mr Roberts since his death help paint a picture of the type of man he was. Co-driver Rob Fagg said: 'Dai as we walked back this morning (Saturday) from collecting our time cards, laughing and joking I didn't ever expect that to be the last time. One of the best in the seat, great friend in the sport over many, many years of competition. You will be missed by so many my friend.' Fellow Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans said: 'It's hard to know what to say, something like this hits hard and it still feels a bit numb. But there aren't many like Dai. 'A proper co-driver, driver, decent footballer, all round competitor and one of the most determined and strong people I have ever come across. My thoughts go out to the entire Roberts family.' Andy Davies, a British rally driver and close friend of Mr Roberts, said: 'Still struggling to process and acknowledge the reality of this. The world can be so damn cruel. 'Never more than a phone call away, Dai stepped up when I needed it most. He always had the answers. Someone I always had the utmost respect for, and someone I was lucky to call a friend. 'A life lived, a mark left on the world for so many. We all have a story about Dai. I'll look back on the memories, and miss you so very much.' Article continues below If you would like to contribute to the fundraising page set up for Mr Roberts' family, you can still do so here. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
ITV News
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- ITV News
British Rally Championships: 'Incredible legacy' of a driver who was killed in crash will live on
The British Rally Championships have paid tribute to competitor Dai Roberts who died in a crash, saying "his incredible legacy" will live on across "every car for years to come". Co-driver Dai Roberts, from Carmarthen in south Wales, died after the incident on the Edrom Mains road, near Duns, before 11am on 24 May 2025. Rally driver James Williams was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police Scotland confirmed that no one else was injured in the incident. The organisation said the 39-year-old "touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him." In a statement, they said: "Hailing from his beloved Carmarthen, he was a man deeply rooted in the sport, with a career spanning over 22 years at both national and international levels. "His partnership with several talented drivers, including James Williams in recent seasons, was built not only on skill but on unwavering trust. "Drivers and teams knew they could count on him, his timing was meticulous, his notes delivered with unshakeable calm, and his attention to detail was second to none. "But beyond the stages, it was Dai's character that made him special. He was gentle, humble, and unfailingly generous with his time, whether helping a newcomer find their feet or checking in quietly on a teammate after a tough day. To many, he was the soul of a service park: never loud, but always present when it mattered. "Dai knew all too well the fragility of life in motorsport, yet, despite such heartbreak, he continued, his love for rallying never dimmed, and neither did his strength. "He is survived by his family, including his wife Louise and children, who were the centre of his world. "They and the wider rallying community continue to grieve not only for a competitor, but a man who lived with fire in his belly, gave generously, and left the sport better than he found it. "Dai Roberts was, simply put, one of rallying's good souls. His ferocious passion on the stages and quick wit and humour away from them will live on with his incredible legacy that will roll out the service park with every car for years to come." The motorsport group say they will honour the welshman's legacy in future events. Motorsport UK, the sport's governing body, are conducting a "full investigation" into the circumstances of Dai's death. In a statement last weekend, the group said: "Motorsport UK sends its condolences to Dai's family and friends, the Jim Clark Rally, Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and members of the motorsport community." The Jim Clark Rally event, which is a road competition near Duns in honour of Berwickshire motorsport legend Jim Clark, was cancelled on 25 May 2025.
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Simultaneous rescues for Tenby lifeboats after paddleboarders blown out to sea
Dai Roberts, 39, was killed during Saturday's race near Duns in the Scottish Borders A CO-DRIVER from Carmarthen has tragically died following a crash during the Jim Clark rally in Scotland. Dai Roberts, aged 39, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday (May 24) after the vehicle he was in left the road during a stage near Duns in the Scottish Borders. The driver, 27-year-old James Williams, was seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening. Roberts was an experienced figure in the world of rallying. In 2014, he survived a crash during the Ulster Rally in Belfast which claimed the life of his then-driver, Timothy Cathcart, who was 20. Two years earlier, his younger brother Gareth, also a rally co-driver, was killed in an accident during a race in Palermo, Italy. He was 24. This weekend's Jim Clark rally and Sunday's Reivers rally were both cancelled following the incident. The event, named after the late Formula One world champion Jim Clark, is a popular annual fixture that draws competitors from across the UK. Around 260 participants were due to take part over the weekend. A statement from the event organisers, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club, confirmed the fatal incident and said support was being provided to those affected. James Williams Rallying also issued a heartfelt tribute: 'It is with a heavy heart we have to share this sad news. The motorsport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.' Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.' Motorsport UK, the governing body for the sport, said it had launched a full investigation and would work closely with organisers and relevant authorities. The Jim Clark rally has a long history but has also been marred by tragedy in the past. In 2014, three spectators were killed and six others injured when two cars veered off the course. The event was suspended and only resumed five years later, in 2019, following significant safety reforms. The rally forms part of several championships, including the Probite British Rally Championship, the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship, and the Protyre National Asphalt Championship.
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh music venues set to benefit from £500k capital fund
Dai Roberts, 39, was killed during Saturday's race near Duns in the Scottish Borders A CO-DRIVER from Carmarthen has tragically died following a crash during the Jim Clark rally in Scotland. Dai Roberts, aged 39, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday (May 24) after the vehicle he was in left the road during a stage near Duns in the Scottish Borders. The driver, 27-year-old James Williams, was seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening. Roberts was an experienced figure in the world of rallying. In 2014, he survived a crash during the Ulster Rally in Belfast which claimed the life of his then-driver, Timothy Cathcart, who was 20. Two years earlier, his younger brother Gareth, also a rally co-driver, was killed in an accident during a race in Palermo, Italy. He was 24. This weekend's Jim Clark rally and Sunday's Reivers rally were both cancelled following the incident. The event, named after the late Formula One world champion Jim Clark, is a popular annual fixture that draws competitors from across the UK. Around 260 participants were due to take part over the weekend. A statement from the event organisers, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club, confirmed the fatal incident and said support was being provided to those affected. James Williams Rallying also issued a heartfelt tribute: 'It is with a heavy heart we have to share this sad news. The motorsport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.' Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.' Motorsport UK, the governing body for the sport, said it had launched a full investigation and would work closely with organisers and relevant authorities. The Jim Clark rally has a long history but has also been marred by tragedy in the past. In 2014, three spectators were killed and six others injured when two cars veered off the course. The event was suspended and only resumed five years later, in 2019, following significant safety reforms. The rally forms part of several championships, including the Probite British Rally Championship, the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship, and the Protyre National Asphalt Championship.
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthen co-driver dies in Jim Clark rally crash
Dai Roberts, 39, was killed during Saturday's race near Duns in the Scottish Borders A CO-DRIVER from Carmarthen has tragically died following a crash during the Jim Clark rally in Scotland. Dai Roberts, aged 39, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday (May 24) after the vehicle he was in left the road during a stage near Duns in the Scottish Borders. The driver, 27-year-old James Williams, was seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening. Roberts was an experienced figure in the world of rallying. In 2014, he survived a crash during the Ulster Rally in Belfast which claimed the life of his then-driver, Timothy Cathcart, who was 20. Two years earlier, his younger brother Gareth, also a rally co-driver, was killed in an accident during a race in Palermo, Italy. He was 24. This weekend's Jim Clark rally and Sunday's Reivers rally were both cancelled following the incident. The event, named after the late Formula One world champion Jim Clark, is a popular annual fixture that draws competitors from across the UK. Around 260 participants were due to take part over the weekend. A statement from the event organisers, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club, confirmed the fatal incident and said support was being provided to those affected. James Williams Rallying also issued a heartfelt tribute: 'It is with a heavy heart we have to share this sad news. The motorsport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.' Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.' Motorsport UK, the governing body for the sport, said it had launched a full investigation and would work closely with organisers and relevant authorities. The Jim Clark rally has a long history but has also been marred by tragedy in the past. In 2014, three spectators were killed and six others injured when two cars veered off the course. The event was suspended and only resumed five years later, in 2019, following significant safety reforms. The rally forms part of several championships, including the Probite British Rally Championship, the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship, and the Protyre National Asphalt Championship.
