Six teens 'packed into car' when it hit bus 'head-on' killing three

21 December 2023 , 12:48

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Morgan Smith, 18, Jesse Owen, 18, and Callum Griffiths, 19, were killed on Monday evening

Six teenagers squashed themselves into a car before three of them tragically died in a head-on crash with a bus on a dark village road, an inquest has heard.

Jesse Owen, 18, was behind the wheel of the Audi A1 as he was reportedly on his way home from a funeral with his friends at Coedely, near Tonyrefail. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene alongside Callum Griffiths, 19 and Morgan Smith, 18, all from blunt injuries on December 11.

The inquest found that the car was designed to fit a maximum of five people. The three survivors were not named in the opening of the inquest, however, two have been identified locally as Sam Griffiths, 18, and Lucas Vaughan, 19.

The families of the crash victims have since paid tribute to the sweet young boys, who largely had an interest in sport. Jesse's family said they are "truly heartbroken" and described him as having a "presence that would light up any room." They continued: "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. 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."

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Jesse Owen passed away at the age of 18 (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Jesse was described as a 'beautiful soul' (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Morgan's family described him as "a popular boy" and a "well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin." They said: "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. We would like to thank all the emergency services that assisted at the scene. Please could you respect our privacy whilst we grieve the loss of Morgan."

Morgan Smith was a 'talented boxer' (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Sam Griffiths pictured with Morgan Smith (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

The family of Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, his mum Natalie, dad Lee and Callum's 15-year-old sister Erin, 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'. "His sister Erin added: "Callum was my best friend and the most selfless person in the world. I will always love him and am so proud of him."

Callum died from blunt injuries (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Morgan's dad Daniel Chalfont described him as "my baby boy" and said he was "literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for." He later added: "Literally lost my son and my best friend all in one. Never gunna be the same without you my boy. You was so special to so many people. So proud to have been able to call u my son."

Tributes have been placed at the scene of the crash (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

His mother Laura said: "My special precious boy.. You made me a mum! You have been through my life from me being 15yrs old! You gave me life, hope & taught me everything I needed to grow up in life.. And I thank you so much for that! Never a day went by where we'd not say love you.. Even right up to 17:17pm yesterday evening we said love you to each other Love you my brown eyed beautiful inside & out amazing SON! ROCK! CHAMP! Mammy can't wait to hold you." The inquest in Pontypridd was adjourned until the New Year for further investigations by police.

Monica Charsley