Families of 3 boys killed in Coedely crash pay tribute as teens’ final moments before horror smash revealed
THE families of three teen boys killed in a crash have paid tribute - as their final moments are revealed.
Boxing champ Morgan Smith, 18, was one of three pals killed in the collision between an Audi A1 and a bus in Coedely, south Wales at around 7pm yesterday.
Morgan's family paid tribute to their "well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin" in a tragic tribute shared via cops.
Meanwhile, the family of Callum Griffiths, 19, said his smile "would light up the room" and their grief is "broken beyond repair".
And Jesse Owen, 18, was the "most loving, happy kind, calm and beautiful soul".
Two other people are in hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries.
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Now the reports that the teen in the car had been at a funeral earlier that day.
Jesse's family said in a statement released via cops: "Jesse had a presence that would light up any room.
"He was loved by all who had the honour of knowing him. He was the most loving, happy kind, calm and beautiful soul. He would do absolutely anything for anyone.
"He loved his family and friends and was loyal to the core.
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“Jesse loved his boxing, watches and socialising with friends.
“He has left a huge void in all of our hearts and our lives will never be the same without him. He will be sorely missed by his parents, grandparents, brothers and extended family.
“We are all truly heartbroken.”
Morgan's family added: "Morgan is a popular boy, he is a well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.
“Morgan was best known as a talented boxer previously gaining a Welsh title. He was an up-and-coming star with a promising boxing career ahead of him.
“We as a family are devastated by the loss of Morgan, we have been left with a void that can never be filled. We love you our boy."
And Callum's family said: “Callum had the most beautiful smile that would light up the room. He was the most precious gift of a son and our love is endless.
“Our hearts have been broken into a million pieces, broken beyond repair. He was so loving and had a caring soul. He has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.
“Callum was a world champion in Kickboxing and achieved numerous Gold medals and has represented Wales in different countries all over the world.
“Callum qualified as a Barber just over a year ago. He was a passionate, hard-working and a dedicated Barber. And we are so very proud of him. We are proud of everything he’s achieved.
“We love you 'Champ'."
Mourners have left floral tributes to the three teens at the scene of the crash.
Morgan was a title-winning member of Maerdy Boxing Club and had represented Wales at amateur level.
Posting on Facebook, his dad Daniel Chalfont said: "My baby boy Morgan Smith. Literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for.
"Miss you so much already. Don't know how I'll live life without you. Literally broken."
His mother Laura said: "Just six hours ago we said our usual love you. This hurts so much."
The five teenagers - who had played together in the same rugby team from the age of 10 - were on a night on when they were in a "serious collision" at around 7pm on Monday night.
They had travelled about four miles from their home in the Tonypandy area of Rhondda, South Wales, to the village of Coedely near Tonyrefail, when tragedy struck.
Deputy mayor Dan Owen-Jones was one of the first at the scene - describing it as "horrific".
He said: "At times I was numb and helpless to the grieving families.
"I cannot even describe the pain, shock and suffering I have witnessed tonight… horrific."
"It's a distressing time for all. At this time of year it's even worse.
"Later on there was lots and lots of family and friends. It was very distressing to see the family, but understandable.
"If it was one of my family I would have wanted to be there."
Chief Superintendent Steve Jones, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
"Trained family liaison officers are supporting the families at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.
"Please can we ask the public to refrain from speculation and rumour while our officers deal with this serious collision.
"These are obviously tragic circumstances and we do not wish for speculation online to cause further distress to the families of those involved."
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called yesterday (11 December) at 7:00pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on Elwyn Street, Tonyrefail.
"We sent seven emergency ambulances, two operational managers and our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.
"We were supported by pre-hospital immediate care specialists from MEDSERVE Wales, and advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in a Wales Air Ambulance charity car.
"Four people were taken to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and a fifth person was taken to Royal Glamorgan Hospital for further treatment."
The road has remained closed while investigations into the collision continue.
Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd, said: "Utterly devastating news coming from our community this morning.
"All of my thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
"Thank you to all the emergency services, first responders and members of the public who tried to help last night.
"Please be aware that the road is still closed whilst the investigation is ongoing. My office is doing all we can to support efforts locally."
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And local councillor Danny Grehan, who represents the Coedely area said the collision was a "terrible blow" for the area.
South Wales Police has appealed for witnesses while investigations into the crash continue.