Welsh teenager’s intensive care battle after crash which killed three

A “talented’ 19-year-old footballer is still battling for life in intensive care, after a crash which killed three teenagers. Lucas Vaughan was a passenger in the devastating collision, on December 11, in Coedely, Tonyrefail. Jesse Owen, 18, from Tonypandy, Morgan Smith, also 18 and from Tonypandy, and Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth lost their lives in the collision between a bus and a car on Elwyn Street.

Heartfelt tributes have been left for the three near the scene of the crash and at Hendreforgan playing field in Gilfach Goch. South Wales Police have said their thoughts are with those affected by the “tragic incident”. They added that trained family liaison officers were currently supporting their families during this “extremely difficult time”, Wales Online reported.[1]

Two others remain critically ill, including Lucas, who is currently receiving treatment at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. A GoFundMe page[4] has been launched in order to help support the Lydney Town AFC footballer from Tonyrefail and his family. As of Saturday afternoon, December 16, the fundraiser has so far helped raise more than GBP3,450.

The community has already rallied behind the fundraising efforts, including Fame Factory Theatre School and Rainbow Valley Productions, of which Lucas has been a member over the years. In a post shared on Facebook, Fame Factory Theatre School explained that Lucas and his family are a “huge part” of the school. They added: “We have seen him grow from a boy to a man and have always been so proud of him and we hold him in our hearts dearly.” Meanwhile, Rainbow Valley Productions described Lucas as “a great young man with a promising career in football”.

Family friend Lisa Martin, who launched the GoFundMe page[5], described Lucas as a “hard working talented footballer”, adding: “He is the most kindest, loving, family-orientated young man who would do anything for anyone.” The fundraising aims to help support Lucas during his recovery over the following months. Their goal is to reach GBP5,000.

You can find out more about the fundraiser here. A post issued alongside the GoFundMe page, reads: “As many of you are aware there was a terrible accident Monday, 11 December in Tonyrefail. Lucas Vaughan was a passenger in this devastating accident.

Lucas is in intensive care at the Heath hospital with life-changing injuries. When he gets through this he’s going to be in hospital into the new year at least . Followed by months of hospital appointments and physio and all his other appointments at fracture clinic etc.

Someone needs to be at home to look after him and get him through the months that lay ahead. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up[6] “Lucas is a very hard-working talented footballer.

He is the most kindest, loving, family-orientated young man who would do anything for anyone. I am setting this up to try and relieve some of the financial pressure off Lucas’s family at this time who need to be at the hospital at his bedside for the foreseeable future. Any donations would be gratefully appreciated please share.”

You can contribute to the GoFundMe appeal here[7]

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References

1. ^ Wales Online reported. (www.walesonline.co.uk)
2. ^ Marathon running young dad died day after waking up with headache – but his death saved others (www.dailypost.co.uk)
3. ^ Alex Batty spends first night back in UK six years after he disappeared (www.dailypost.co.uk)
4. ^ GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)
5. ^ the GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)
6. ^ The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up (www.dailypost.co.uk)
7. ^ contribute to the GoFundMe appeal here (www.gofundme.com)
8. ^ all you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’ (chat.whatsapp.com)
9. ^ Privacy Notice (www.reachplc.com)
10. ^ Click here to join the WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)