Tragedy struck as Gema Love, who had previously opened up about her harrowing car crash experience, was found dead at her home in Airdrie. The 27-year-old had courageously shared her story with the Record in September, detailing the lack of support for car crash victims like herself.
In January 2019, Gema and her colleague Mary Logan, 62, were involved in a devastating accident that left Gema unable to walk and resulted in Mary’s death. They had been assisting an injured animal on the road near Biggar when their vehicle collided with another car and a Jeep.
Gema suffered a “complex break” to her hip and pelvis, requiring seven hours of reconstructive surgery, while Mary tragically died two days after being rushed to hospital. Gema recounted the nightmare to the Record: “It was dark and I was trapped in the van. Mary was lying on my lap.”
She continued, “My left hip took the full impact of the crash and now I can’t walk without the help of crutches. I can’t stand up for more than ten minutes and I live in chronic pain every single day.”
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Gema also revealed her struggles with severe depression, grief, PTSD, and an eating disorder following the incident, reports the Daily Record.
Police confirmed they were called to a property in the Cromarty Road area on Thursday, November 21, stating her death is not being treated as suspicious.
“I live every day in that crash – I’ve had to learn to try and cope with the trauma myself. It has ruined my life.”
The former council worker urged for car crash victims to be given discharge treatment plans that monitor individuals during their recovery. She disclosed that she had contacted a mental health helpline through her employers, but was told her case was “too in-depth”.
At that time, she stated: “I’m not aware of any online support groups, nor have I been offered any crash victim recovery support. I don’t know anyone in my position or similar. I’ve felt very alone through the process.”
Gema’s brother, George Stanfield, led the tributes to her and described his sudden loss as “devastating”. He expressed: “We are beyond heartbroken.”
Jemma Hopkins said: “My heart is absolutely broken. She was one in a million.”
Veronica Rolink commented: “Gema was an absolute legend of a girl and will most definitely never be forgotten. Rest in peace beautiful girl.”
Sinead Quigley added: “Rest in peace, Gema. Sad news.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland announced: “Around 10.25am on Thursday, 21 November, 2024, were made aware of the death of a 27 year old woman in the Cromarty Road area of Airdrie.”
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances however the death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.