More than £9,000 has been raised to support a footballer who is currently in intensive care following a fatal collision where three young men sadly lost their lives.
Lucas Vaughan was a passenger in this devastating accident. Lucas is in intensive care at the Heath Hospital with life changing injuries.
Lucas, a is a footballer for Lydney Town Football Club in the Forest of Dean and his club paid tribute to him in a post on social media:
A post on the GoFundMe paid that has been set up to support Lucas and his family said:
“Lucas is in intensive care at the Heath Hospital with life changing injuries. When he gets through this he’s going to be in hospital in to the new year at least.
“Followed by months of hospital appointments and physio an all his other appointments at fracture clinic etc.
“Someone needs to be at home to look after him and get him through the months that lay ahead.
“Lucas is a very hard working talented footballer.
“He is the most kindest, loving family orientated young man who would do anything for anyone.
“I am setting this up to try and relieve some of the financial pressure off Lucas’s family at this time who need to be at the hospital at his bedside for the foreseeable future.
“Any donations would be gratefully appreciated please share.”
To donate, please visit – https://gofund.me/6951e551
From South Wales Police:
At around 7pm on Monday December 11 emergency services were called to the scene of a serious road traffic collision involving a bus and an Audi A1 on Ely Valley Road, Coedely.
Three men – two aged 18 and one aged 19 – were declared dead at the scene.
Two further men, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff with life threatening injuries.
Two other people were also treated for minor injuries.
The road has remained closed while investigations into the collision continue.
Superintendent Esyr Jones of South Wales Police 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.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which either vehicle was being driven prior to the collision is asked to contact South Wales Police.
In addition, anyone with any dash cam or mobile phone footage or who was witness to the collision is asked to contact us quoting reference 2300420639.
The families of the three teenage men who died following a road traffic collision which happened at around 7.00pm on Monday December 11, 2023, have paid the following tributes to them.
The family of Jesse Owen, 18, from Penygraig, Rhondda Cynon Taff, said:
“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.
“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.”
The family of Morgan Smith, 18, from Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, said:
“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.
“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.”
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”.
Erin, Callum’s sister, 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.”
