The tight-knit communities of the Scottish Highlands are reeling after a tragic car crash claimed the lives of three teenage boys late Thursday night. The accident, which occurred on August 28, 2025, at around 11:15 p.m., involved a white Ford Fiesta that left the A830 road between Mallaig and Arisaig, just west of Fort William. Emergency services rushed to the scene near the Borrodale House hotel, but despite their efforts, all three teenagers—identified as Fergus Ward, Lewis Knox, and a third boy named Jordan—were pronounced dead at the site.
According to Police Scotland, the victims, all believed to be in their mid-teens, included the driver and two passengers. Formal identification was still pending as of Friday, but the loss has already sent shockwaves through the local area. Inspector Donnie MacKinnon of Police Scotland expressed the sorrow felt by all involved, stating, "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who died as a result of this crash." He continued, "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."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported being alerted just before 11:30 p.m., dispatching two fire appliances to assist police and ambulance crews at the scene. The A830, a vital route through the Highlands, was closed overnight as investigators worked to piece together what happened. The road remained shut until about 11:55 a.m. on Friday, causing significant disruption but allowing authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
The loss of these young lives has been felt far beyond the immediate families. Lochaber High School in Fort William, where the boys were students, issued a heartfelt message on social media: "We are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in our community. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected at this difficult time." The school also announced that support services would be available for pupils and parents starting Monday, September 1, recognizing the profound impact this event would have on classmates and friends.
The emotional toll was evident as tributes poured in from across the region. First Minister John Swinney shared his condolences on social media, writing, "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 Kate Forbes, who also serves as the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, echoed these sentiments: "It is devastating beyond words. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected."
The boys were not only classmates and sons—they were also passionate athletes, deeply woven into the fabric of their community. Fergus Ward and Lewis Knox were regular players for the Fort William Shinty Club, rising through the youth ranks to become integral members of the under-17s squad. The club, a cornerstone of local sporting life, released a moving statement: "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. Four of the Knox brothers have played for the club throughout the years, with Alan being the current first team co-manager. Fergus' grandad Martin Black was club president for many years and gave over 30 years service to FWSC. The boys will be greatly missed by their families, friends and the wider community. May they rest in peace."
Jordan, meanwhile, was known for his contributions to the Fort William Football Club. The team announced plans for a moment of silence before their match, stating, "Before today's match, we will be having a minute silence in memory of the three local teenagers who sadly lost their lives this week. 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. Rest easy, lads."
As news of the tragedy spread, friends and classmates gathered to pay their respects. On Friday night, many headed to a local pub to remember the trio, sharing stories and comforting one another. Flowers and a banner reading "RIP Fergus, Lewis, Jordan" appeared at the roadside, a poignant reminder of lives cut painfully short. The mothers of Fergus and Lewis marked their grief in a deeply personal way, changing their social media profile pictures to images of their sons—Fergus' mum captioned hers, "Fly high my sweet boy," while Lewis' mum Liz posted a photo of her son holding a dog.
Such gestures, though small in the face of overwhelming loss, have helped knit the community together. The sense of shared mourning is palpable, with local organizations and individuals offering support. Lochaber High School, in particular, has emphasized the availability of counseling and other resources for students and families grappling with the tragedy.
While the investigation into the crash continues, the call for information remains open. Inspector MacKinnon urged, "Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3941 of August 28, 2025." Authorities hope that witnesses or dashcam footage might provide clarity on the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
For now, the focus remains on supporting those left behind. The planned moments of silence at sporting events this weekend serve as both a tribute and a rallying point for a community determined to honor its lost sons. The pain is raw, and the questions—how, why—linger in the air. But in the midst of heartbreak, the Highlands community has come together, united in grief and remembrance, determined not to let these young lives be forgotten.
