Coedely crash: ‘Talented’ footballer in hospital after fatal collision
Morgan Smith, Callum Griffiths and Jesse Owen died in the crash and Lucas Vaughan, 18, and another young man received life threatening injuries An "incredibly talented footballer" remains in intensive care following a crash in which three young men died. Lydney Town AFC said Lucas Vaughan, 18, sustained life threatening injuries in the crash in Coedely, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 11 December at 19:00 GMT.
Callum Griffiths, 19, and Jesse Owen and Morgan Smith, both 18, died at the scene. A 19-year-old also suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash involving a car and a bus. Lydney Town AFC, in Lydney, Gloucestershire, said Lucas quickly became a "shining light at our club" since joining from Bristol Rovers Academy.
Meanwhile, the academy said its staff are in "constant communication with Lucas's mum Claire". "We are supporting the family as best we can do during this extremely difficult time," it said in a statement issued on X[1], formerly Twitter. Everyone associated with Bristol Rovers Football club are thinking of former academy player Lucas Vaughan and his family, following a serious road traffic accident.
We are sending you all love and support as Lucas continues his recovery. ? pic.twitter.com/qX8DYXMt5H[2] -- Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) December 17, 2023[3] Lydney Town, which described Lucas as a "top guy with a lovely manner and zest for life", said he was being treated in Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales.
"We all pray with everything we have for him and his amazing family at such a difficult time," it said in its statement on X[4], A Gofundme page has been set up to support Lucas and his family. "He is the most kindest, loving family orientated young man who would do anything for anyone," a statement on the page said.
On Saturday, Gilfach Goch Rugby Club in Rhondda Cynon Taf paid tribute to the group as well as the football club, where Callum played for 10 years and Morgan for two. Story continues The rugby first team held a minute of applause during their home fixture against Cowbridge.
Meanwhile, football shirts bearing written tribute messages, as well as flowers, have been laid at nearby playing fields.
South Wales Police said after the crash on Monday that two people, aged 18 and 19, remained in hospital with "life-threatening injuries".
References
- ^ statement issued on X (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/qX8DYXMt5H (t.co)
- ^ December 17, 2023 (twitter.com)
- ^ statement on X (twitter.com)