Aberystwyth drag queen died in lorry crash on A470 in Powys

Gareth Roy Stephenson, 35, died following a two-vehicle collision at Dolwen between Llanidloes [1] and Llandinam on the night of January 26, 2025. Pontypridd Coroner's Court [2] heard Mr Stephenson had been travelling from Manchester towards Aberystwyth [3] when his vehicle clipped the kerb in wet conditions, causing him to lose control. The car veered into the path of oncoming traffic before being involved in a collision with a lorry and leaving the road.

A470 bend near Dolwen. The A470 at Dolwen between Llanidloes and Llandinam, where the crash happened (Image: Google Street View) Mr Stephenson, a shop assistant from Aberystwyth, suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Post-mortem tests later found illicit drugs in his system, which were likely to have impaired his driving.

Area coroner Patricia Morgan [4] recorded a conclusion of a road traffic collision while under the influence of drugs. The medical cause of death was given as multiple traumatic injuries. Paying tribute, his family said he "lit up every room with his infectiously sunny smile".

They added: "Words can't describe how much pain this devastating loss has caused our family and will, undoubtedly, cause the people that Gareth has met throughout his life. "Gareth lit up every room with his infectiously sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh, whether that be through his love for singing, dancing and all things dramatic or just simply being himself. "We know that Gareth was well-loved and will be missed by so many people.

"As a family we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and love that we have received and take comfort knowing Gareth had such a big impact on so many people.

"We will miss Gareth every minute of every day."

Aberystwyth's LGBTQ+ community also paid tribute to Mr Stephenson, who performed as drag queen Dynasty Blake, describing him as someone with a "heart of gold" who would "do anything for anyone."

References

^ Llanidloes (www.countytimes.co.uk)
^ Pontypridd Coroner's Court (www.countytimes.co.uk)
^ Aberystwyth (www.countytimes.co.uk)
^ Patricia Morgan (www.countytimes.co.uk)