Boy killed in Snowdonia crash was ‘thriving in life’, says mother

The bodies of Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris were found in their crashed silver Ford Fiesta in North Wales on Tuesday. A search was launched for the teenagers after they failed to return home from an overnight camping trip to the Snowdonia area. Crystal Owen, 17-year-old Harvey's mother, said on Friday: "There are absolutely no words to describe the pain we are feeling at the loss of the most precious soul and no words to really explain how much of a special person Harvey was."

In a tribute released through North Wales Police, Ms Owen described her son as "a unique and special person who touched so many people along the way". "Laid back, charismatic, cheeky, a boy not of his time, he always thought outside the box, he was creative and funny. A boy that preferred to be outside and active," she said.

"He was the most gentle soul, always feeling empathy for people and seeing the good in everyone. Quirky, a trendsetter, loving, pure and hilarious.

Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris (North Wales Police/PA)

"There is never a time to lose a child but this feels so much more gut wrenching as he was literally thriving in life and had everything to live for. "Harvey was perfect when he came into the world and he will go out that way. "He never caused ill will, he did no harm, he wronged nobody, he was and will forever be a son we can be proud of.

"The fact that Harvey will always be 17 is unbearable to think of and even harder to accept."

(PA Graphic)

Ms Owen previously described her grief as a nightmare she could not wake up from.

North Wales Police said the teenagers' bodies were found inside the overturned car which had left the A4085 at Garreg, near Tremadog, and was partially submerged in water.

The boys were from Shrewsbury and were A-level students at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.