Floral tributes have been laid and special assemblies held in memory of three teenagers who were killed in a car crash on a mountain road in Wales.
Rhodri Miller, his girlfriend Alesha O’Connor and friend Corey Price – all 17 and from the coastal town of Barry – died in the collision in the Brecon Beacons on Friday. Margaret Challis, 68, was also killed in the incident on the A470, and three other people were seriously injured.
On Monday, a special assembly was held at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg in Barry, where Miller and Price were pupils, on the first day of lessons since the tragedy. Youngsters broke down in tears as they laid flowers outside the school reception.
One message, written on a school polo shirt, read: “God has gained three more angels. Sleep tight guys. We’ll miss you ... gone but never forgotten.”
Another message left with a bunch of flowers read: “In loving memory of Rhodri, Corey, and Alesha – who were so greatly admired. Your futures were so bright.”
At St David’s Catholic sixth form college in Penylan, Cardiff, which O’Connor attended, students gathered in the chapel to remember the teenager. A mass in her memory is planned for later this week.
The college said: “Alesha was a wonderful individual who will be deeply missed. We were privileged to have Alesha with us, she was a talented student and delightful personality.”
The fatal crash at about 10.15pm on Friday involved two vehicles – a black Volkswagen Golf estate and a green Volkswagen Golf hatchback.
Police believe the green VW was “travelling in convoy” with a number of vehicles at the time – with new driver Miller behind the wheel and Price and O’Connor as his passengers.
The black VW was not part of the convoy. Its driver was seriously injured in the crash and Challis, from Merthyr Tydfil, who was the front seat passenger, died in hospital.
Miller and Price’s former headteacher, Dylan Jones, said the local community had been left devastated by the tragedy. He said: “It’s been a shock to us all, and a number of their friends also are feeling the shock.”
Price was described as a promising young footballer – and was a member of Cardiff City’s Academy side. A number of football shirts with written messages were left among the floral tributes outside the school.
Tributes have also been paid online – including one from Bristol Rovers footballer Mitchell Palmer, who wrote: “Very sad to hear about Corey Price, great lad, great footballer! Thoughts are with family and friends! RIP big man!”
In statements via police, the families of the three teenagers said they were struggling to come to terms with their loss.
Miller’s parents described their son, a season ticket holder at Cardiff City FC, as “a bright, talented” A-level student “who had so much to live for”.
Alesha O’Connor’s mother and father, Sharon and Paul, said: “She was the perfect daughter and friend and has left a massive void in our family.”
Price’s family called him a “wonderful gentle and caring son, brother, uncle and grandson”.
Dyfed Powys police said on Monday they were continuing with their investigation.
Seven male drivers, aged 17 and 18, from other vehicles were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They have all been released on bail pending further inquiries.
