The Highland community of Fort William has been left reeling after three teenage boys—Fergus Ward, Lewis Knox, and Jordan Cameron—tragically lost their lives in a car crash late Thursday night, August 28, 2025. The single-vehicle accident occurred on the A830, the so-called “Road to the Isles,” between Mallaig and Arisaig, and has sparked an outpouring of grief, solidarity, and remembrance throughout Lochaber and beyond.
According to BBC News, emergency services were called to the scene near the Borrodale House hotel around 23:15, after a white Ford Fiesta carrying the boys left the road. Despite the swift arrival of police, fire, and ambulance crews, all three teenagers—aged between 16 and 17—were pronounced dead at the scene. The road was closed for more than 12 hours as authorities carried out investigations, finally reopening just before midday on Friday, August 29.
The impact of the tragedy has rippled through every corner of the community. Fergus Ward and Lewis Knox were both regular first team members and part of the under-17s squad at Fort William Shinty Club (FWSC). As reported by The Scottish Sun, both boys had deep family connections to the club—four Knox brothers have played for FWSC, with Alan Knox currently serving as co-manager, and Fergus’s grandfather, Peter Black, was club president for over 30 years. Jordan Cameron, meanwhile, was a promising young footballer with Fort William FC, having played a key role in their title-winning Under-18 side last season and also featuring in the reserve team in the West Highland League, according to The Press and Journal.
In a heartfelt statement on their Facebook page, FWSC expressed the pain of the loss: “It is with great sadness that our community has lost three young local men this week. Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Fergus, Lewis and Jordan at this very difficult time. Fergus Ward and Lewis Knox were both regular members of FWSC, developing right through the youth ranks and were an integral part of the current u17s squad. Both boys have deep family connections to the club. The boys will be greatly missed by their families, friends and the wider community. May they rest in peace.”
After much deliberation, FWSC decided that the best way to honor the boys was to come together and play Saturday’s scheduled games, holding a minute’s silence before both the first and second team matches on August 30. “We hope that we can do their memory proud and honour them on the shinty field,” the club added. Other teams across Scotland joined in solidarity, with Lochaber Camanachd Club’s under-14s holding a minute’s silence before their game in Beauly on Friday night, and Kilmallie Shinty Club expressing support and condolences.
Fort William Football Club also paid tribute, stating, “At a more appropriate time, we will pay tribute to the three of them in a larger statement, reflecting on their lives and the impact they had on sport in the area, and the community as a whole. Fort William Football Club send our love, thoughts and prayers to their families and friends at this horrific time.” Before their match with Clachnacuddin FC II on Saturday, the club observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of the boys. The club also emphasized the lasting legacy of its members, saying, “Football is more than just a game – it’s about the people who make it special. Whether on the pitch, in the stands, or behind the scenes, every member of our club leaves a lasting legacy. We honour that legacy today with respect, gratitude and love. Rest in peace Jordan, Lewis and Fergus. You’ll forever be a part of Fort William FC.”
Tributes have poured in from family, friends, and the wider community. The mothers of Fergus and Lewis both changed their social media profile pictures to images of their sons, drawing hundreds of messages of love and support. Fergus’s mother wrote, “Fly high my sweet boy,” while friends responded with messages such as, “Absolutely heartbroken for you Catherine, it was always so clear to see that Fergus was your pride and joy,” and “Fergus will live in each of us with the fond memories we share of him throughout all the years.” Lewis’s mother, Liz, also received an outpouring of condolences, with one friend writing, “So sorry Liz. Heartbroken for you all. Rest in peace Lewis.”
Jordan Cameron’s coaches at Fort William FC remembered him fondly: “Jordan was a very talented footballer and a pleasure to coach over the years we had him. He’ll be deeply missed by us and everyone who knew him. We send our condolences to Jordan’s family and also to the families of Lewis and Fergus.” Friends of the boys gathered at a local pub on Friday night to share memories and support one another, while a memorial of flowers and a banner reading “RIP Fergus, Lewis, Jordan” was created at the Lochaber Leisure Centre beside King George V Park, inviting locals to pay their respects.
The tragedy has also drawn responses from national leaders. First Minister John Swinney expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three young people in a car crash near Arisaig. My thoughts are with their families, friends and the whole community at this heartbreaking time.” Deputy First Minister and local MSP Kate Forbes called the incident “devastating beyond words,” adding, “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”
Lochaber High School, where the boys were either former or current pupils, posted a message to students, parents, and staff: “We are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in our community. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected at this very difficult time.” The school announced that support services, including guidance staff and local organizations such as Lochaber Hope and Archie’s Child Bereavement Service, would be available starting Monday, September 1, for anyone needing help coping with the loss. Community centers and churches in Fort William and Lochaber have also opened their doors to support those affected.
Police Scotland’s Inspector Donnie MacKinnon has appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage to assist the ongoing investigation into the crash. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who died as a result of this crash. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch. I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area and who may have dashcam footage which could assist to contact us,” he said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Police Scotland, quoting reference 3941 of August 28, 2025.
In the face of unimaginable loss, the community’s response has been marked by compassion, unity, and the determination to honor the memory of three young men who touched so many lives. The legacy of Fergus, Lewis, and Jordan will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who knew them, both on and off the field.
