Beth Damer, a 20-year-old woman from Lanarkshire, tragically lost her life in a devastating car accident on March 12, 2022, when her boyfriend, Sam Barber, 28, lost control of his BMW 315i while driving at an excessive speed on the A72 in Biggar, Lanarkshire. Barber, who had picked up the car just the day before, was driving at approximately 103mph, far exceeding the road’s 60mph speed limit.
The accident occurred when Barber’s car flipped onto its roof after veering off the road, hitting a fence, and plowing into a field. Witnesses reported seeing the car speeding recklessly before the crash, with one observer noting the "ridiculous speed" at which the vehicle was traveling given the road conditions. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency responders, Beth Damer was trapped under the severely damaged vehicle and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Barber, who has a history of careless driving and speeding offenses, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at the High Court in Glasgow. He is now facing a significant prison sentence, which is set to be determined in October. The court heard from collision investigators that Barber’s excessive speed was the sole cause of the crash.
On social media, friends and community members expressed their sorrow over the loss of Beth Damer. Andrew Wereski commented, "Terrible loss of a young life." Liam Walls reflected on the tragedy, saying, "Sad when she had no control of situation other than not travel with him." Ashley Buist shared her own driving experiences on the road where the crash occurred, stating, "I avoid that road, like the plague… may she R.I.P." Carol O’Connor simply lamented, "What a waste of a young life."
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.