The Straits UK frontman Andrew Lartey dies in motorbike crash - his dad and fellow band member pays tribute

Andrew Lartey, 30, and his pillion passenger Georgia Tate, 23, both from Newcastle, died on the Scottish Borders on Sunday, July 28 between Bonchester Bridge and Carter Bar on Sunday, 28 July, 2024 after a collision with another motorcycle.

His father Dez Lartey posted a tribute to Andrew on the band’s website and Facebook page.

The grief-stricken dad wrote: “It is with profound sadness and deep regret that I announce the passing of my son and front man of The Straits UK. Andrew was tragically taken from us, along with his girlfriend Georgia, on Sunday afternoon following a motorcycle accident on the Scottish Borders.

“We obviously weren't aware at the time, but those of you that seen us in Ormskirk on Saturday night witnessed our very last performance. Andrew was an absolute gentleman with not a malicious bone in his body and I'm sure that came across to those of you that spoke to us after our performances.

“I would like to pay tribute to him, not only as his father but as a fellow band member. He practised long and hard striving for perfection in what was a very difficult task (...copying Mark Knopfler), and I think he achieved that!

“Andrew was the most humble human being you are ever likely to meet, and never ever thought he was anything special....HE WAS! He fulfilled a 35-year dream of mine to play in a Dire Straits tribute band, and I will forever be grateful to him and the rest of the band members for making the dream live.

“The Straits UK were not just a band though, we are/were a family...a family that is now struggling to come to terms with this tragic event. We had a very emotional gathering yesterday. We thank you all sincerely for the love, support and the extremely kind Facebook messages you have given us over the last 6 years.

“Andrew used to love reading them and personally replied as often as he could. Andrew and Georgia will be missed by all those that knew them. Our admin team will go to work as soon as practical to find out how we go about refunding ticket those that have already bought tickets for future performances. This is new to us and not something we were expecting so I ask you please to give us time to process all of this. Thank you, The Straits UK”

A third person who died in the crash, who was riding another motorbike, has been named by Police Scotland as 37-year-old Jason Gibbon, from Northumberland, was riding his Suzuki GSXR between Bonchester Bridge and Carter Bar when he was involved in a collision with a Kawasaki ZX1400 motorbike.