A Motherwell man named locally as cops probe 'suspicious' death after disturbance yesterday is the third tragedy to strike a family in two months.
Tributes flood in for Rangers fan Cameron McMillan as cops probe suspicious death in Motherwell, 23, was killed in the early hours after trouble broke out at a house party. A murder investigation has been launched.
It was a devastating blow for his family, who were already mourning the recent death of his brother and his two-year-old niece.
Cameron's niece Bonnie, two, lost her battle with a rare illness last month. And in March, his older brother Lias passed away, leaving two young sons.
As police launched a murder investigation into Cameron’s death, a former neighbour of the McMillans said: “It’s awful for one family to go through all of that.”
Officers were called to the scene of the latest tragedy in New Stevenston, near Motherwell, at about 5.50am yesterday.
Tributes flood in for Rangers fan Cameron McMillan as cops probe suspicious death in Motherwell
It is thought Cameron was knifed after trouble started at a house party and spilled out into the street.
The Rangers fan was found stabbed in a grassy area beside Quarry Street.
There was speculation that the rammy had started over a girl.
Later yesterday, the dead man’s loved ones expressed their heartbreak on social media. One paid tribute to “crazy Uncle Cammy”, who was “one in a million”.
Cameron was one of five siblings – as well as Lias, he had a brother Jack and sisters Vicky and Chantelle.
Yesterday, Chantelle Ballantyne wrote on Facebook: “There’s only one Cameron McMillan. Love you, brother.”
Bonnie, who was Jack’s daughter, died from a rare genetic condition.
After Cameron’s death, Bonnie’s mum Kayla Strachan posted touching photos on social media and wrote: “In absolute shock with the news I got woken up to this morning.
“I loved you loads and you knew it as I always said to you, family’s family and I was always there.
“Rest in peace Cammy.”
The former neighbour added: “It’s just terrible.
“I knew the children when they were young. Chantelle is Cameron’s younger sister and Lias was the oldest brother.”
Yesterday, about 12 police officers patrolled a cordon on Quarry Street that blocked off most of the road and a wooded area that faces the row of flats.
One officer kept guard outside a property towards the Jermiston Street end of the road, just behind Bandoni’s General Store.
A blue forensics tent was erected on the grass facing the block of flats.
At about 3pm, about eight forensics started scouring the grassy area.
Tearful young men came to the scene to lay flowers for their tragic friend.
Locals told of their shock. Many had been woken by the disturbance and by emergency services swooping on the quiet residential area.
One told the Record: “My children’s bedrooms look out on to where this happened.
“One of them was woken up by the noise from the party and then sirens. It’s horrendous to hear that some young boy has died. My heart goes out to his family.”
Another said: “This used to be a lovely wee area but it’s getting worse.
“Most people are fine but you get the odd house that causes problems. Hopefully they find out who did it.”
A third added: “I woke up because of the racket.
“I looked out the window and just saw a stream of police cars pulling in, one after the other.
“It’s terrifying having this right on your doorstep.
“God help the lad’s family.”
One business owner said: “When we opened first thing this morning, all the tape was up and police were everywhere.
“We’re on a main road but it is usually quiet here.”
Friend Dylan Cole wrote on social media: “RIP Cammy boy.
“Never a dull moment with you, always a mad sesh with you. Can’t believe it. Sleep tight mate.”
Josh Simpson posted: “RIP Cameron. Fly high, my boy.”
Motherwell man named locally as cops probe 'suspicious' death after disturbance
Kashif Mashi wrote: “RIP Cameron McMillan. Such a cruel world we live in.”
A police spokesman said: “The death is being treated as suspicious. Inquiries are ongoing.”
Little Bonnie passed away after suffering from genetic disease Neimann Pick type C.
The condition is so rare that she was one of only six people in Scotland to have been diagnosed with it.
The illness involves a build-up of fat around the brain, liver and spleen and results in symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease.
When Bonnie was eight months old, her parents launched an appeal to raise £100,000 for experimental treatment in the US.
Kayla said at the time: “You expect to have kids and for them to all be healthy and happy and this was a huge shock for our whole family.
“There is no known cure at the moment and no clinical trials in the UK for children under two, so we are determined to get Bonnie to the US while there is still time.”
Sadly, Bonnie did not make it and her Uncle Cameron was said to have taken her death particularly hard.
Jayne Rankin posted yesterday: “Rest easy, Cammy. And give Bonnie the biggest kiss and cuddle.
“You struggled with her death and now you can be with her.”
