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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Nino Williams

'He would have been heartbroken to see what happened' Relative of 19-year-old devastated after sudden death sparks Swansea riot

A relative of a man whose death prompted rioting in Swansea has condemned those who took part.

Ethan Powell collapsed hours after watching Swansea City's playoff game against Barnsley on television with his grandfather on Tuesday evening.

His cause of death has yet to be determined.

Friends have organised three memorial balloon release events to the popular 19-year-old, including one this coming weekend.

But it was the event last night in Waun Wen that led to rioting, which has horrified his family, who have denounced the scenes which saw cars burnt out and windows broken in a family home.

A relative said: "Ethan was a down-to-earth, well mannered boy, who would do anything for anyone.

"He had gone to watch the football with his grandfather in Llansamlet on Monday, and he gave my nan a hug before he left.

"He was dropped at home in SA1 which was where he collapsed.

"There were no untoward signs that anything was wrong with him, which is why it is such a shock.

"He would have been heartbroken to have seen what happened.

"He would have been trying to stop it - it is not something he would have wanted to see.

"We can't understand why there were people there laughing.

"To see that going on in Ethan's name is devastating.

"We are grieving as a family and we would like to be left alone to grieve in peace".

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