Friend's tribute to 'one in a million mate' found dead with pals on camping trip

21 November 2023 , 19:01

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Wilf Fitchett was described as a 'one in a million mate' (Image: North Wales Police)

A friend of one of the four teenagers who died after a car accident in Snowdonia National Park has paid tribute, describing him as "one in a million".

Friends and loved ones have been sharing their grief at the news of four bodies being discovered in the search for Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris from Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The four friends, aged between 16 and 17, had been on a camping trip in North Wales but were reported missing on Sunday.

North Wales Police confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that four bodies had been discovered in a silver Ford Fiesta, which was discovered overturned and partially submerged in a river near the village of Garreg. A friend of Wilf's said on Tuesday: “You were one in a million mate. Can’t believe you’re gone x”.

A family friend of Jevon meanwhile described him as a “lovely boy”. Parents of the four teens were frantic with worry after they vanished on Sunday.

Jevon Hirst was described as a 'lovely boy' (North Wales Police)

Hugo Morris (North Wales Police)

Harvey's mum Crystal Owen told the BBC she didn't know the 17-year-old had been camping, and that he'd told her he was staying at a friend's grandparent's house with pals at the time. She described them as "sensitive, intelligent lads" as they prayed for news of their safety on Tuesday.

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Tragically, North Wales Police confirmed the update in a brief statement to the press on Tuesday. Supt Owain Llewellyn said: “At present, this appears to have been a tragic accident. The Ford Fiesta was found upside down, partially submerged in water.

“Tragically the bodies of four young males were recovered from within the vehicle. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the four young men at this very difficult time.

Harvey Owen (North Wales Police)

“This has been an extensive search involving a number of different agencies and volunteers. This is sadly not the outcome that any of us would have wanted.” The force said it was continuing to investigate why the car left the road.

Shrewsbury College confirmed all four boys were all students there, working towards their A-levels. In a statement before the news was confirmed it said: “The college’s immediate thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenagers.”

Local MP Liz Saville Roberts and local Senedd member Mabon ap Gwynfor described the news as “truly heartbreaking”. In a joint statement, they said: “As parents ourselves our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the four young men whose lives have been lost in this tragic accident.”

They also praised emergency crews, mountain rescue teams, volunteers and members of the public for helping in the search. “No words can sufficiently reflect the sorrow that this news brings to our whole community,” they added.

Martin Fricker