Tributes have been paid to a 40-year-old father-of-two, one of two people killed in a crash between a lorry and a van in west Wales.
Arwel Davies, from the village of Llanwrda in Carmarthenshire, died in a head-on collision which happened on the A40 near the town of Llandeilo at around 12.20pm on Thursday, July 8. Emergency services, including a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter, attended the scene of the crash, but it was sadly confirmed later that two men had died.
The family of Mr Davies have since described how their lives will never be the same without him.
Read more : Several people seriously ill in Carmarthen hospital with Covid despite having both jabs
In a statement, the family said: “No words can describe the impact Arwel had on the lives of many, especially his adored wife Laura, his beautiful children Owen and Sofia, his proud father Eirian and his devoted brother and sister Ioan and Catrin.
"Our lives will never be the same following Arwel’s tragic passing, however we can hold on to the special and fond memories that Arwel has left us with, his infectious smile, his sparkling blue eyes, and his attitude to live life to the full. It has truly been a comfort to his family and friends the support received from our local community, the rugby community and the hot air balloon family we had become, since we lost Arwel. He would be truly humbled by everybody’s kind words."
Speaking about Mr Davies's life and career working for the family business, the statement added: "Arwel was a successful businessman having been taken under the wing of the loyal staff of Adeilad Cladding over 20 years ago to allow Arwel to develop the business that his father had successfully started over 40 years ago.
"His staff over the years have provided so much encouragement, supporting his vision for the future of the family business. They have been a tremendous support through these tragic days since Arwel’s passing, running the business as Arwel would.
“Arwel was a keen sportsman and is well-known in our local rugby club, Llandovery RFC, as a loyal player and supporter. He began as a youth player, before moving on to senior rugby at the club, playing a season for the 1st XV team, however, he will always remain at the heart of the 2nd XV team where he spent year upon year playing rugby, and to this day continued to play, with the words “one more year” continuing to echo in our home.
"Not only did Arwel continue to play rugby, he had also taken on the role of a “Junior Drovers” coach and was currently coaching the Under 9s team where Owen played. Arwel also followed in the footsteps of his father flying a hot air balloon across the Towy Valley, a beautiful sight to see on a cold frosty morning or a summer’s evening. Arwel provided many family members, friends and customers with the opportunity of a flight of a lifetime!
“Arwel achieved so much in his 40 years, we are all so incredibly proud of him. Heaven has gained a true gentleman.”
A long section of the A40 was closed in both directions for almost ten hours following the crash, which involved a flatbed lorry and a Transit tipper van and happened a short distance from The Cottage Inn, around two miles west of Llandeilo.
A young girl who was also involved in the crash was taken to hospital but did not sustain serious injuries.
Police have confirmed the other man who died in the crash has been named as Wyn Williams, who was 62 and from Carmarthen.
To get the latest email updates from WalesOnline click here.
