Three young friends tragically lost their lives in a fatal car accident while returning home from a funeral.
Jesse Owen, 18, Callum Griffiths, 19, and Morgan Smith, 18, were involved in a collision with a bus in Coedely, near Tonyrefail, South Wales, in December of last year.
The high-speed impact split their vehicle in half, resulting in blunt force injuries that claimed all three lives.
Final Hours Before the Crash
The group, which included six passengers in total, had attended the funeral of Ellis Williams’ father earlier that day.
They then visited a pub and a social club, where each member reportedly drank three pints.
Ellis, who survived the crash, recalled Jesse speeding but did not perceive it as a cause for concern.
As they approached a bend in the road, he noticed the bus coming toward them but had little time to react.
Ellis shared, “Jesse was going fast, but I didn’t worry. We went around the bend and saw the bus coming straight toward us. I held the side door as we hit.”
The impact disoriented him, and he quickly realized the car had split in two, leaving him unable to see his friends.
Driver Jesse Owen Was Over Legal Alcohol Limit
The inquest revealed that Jesse was over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the crash.
A barmaid confirmed that each group member consumed three drinks during their outing.
Although Jesse initially planned not to drink, he ultimately joined his friends on their return home.
His parents expressed disbelief at the circumstances, describing him as a “safe and considerate driver” who was not known for reckless behavior.
They stated, “If speed was a factor, we would be surprised. Jesse was known to be a careful driver.”
Heartfelt Tributes to the Young Victims
Families of the young men shared their heartbreak over the tragic loss.
Jesse’s family described him as a caring and loyal friend who “could light up any room.”
Morgan’s family remembered him as a talented boxer with a promising future.
His aunt, Amy Smith, remarked, “At any time of year, this would be heartbreaking, but around the holidays, it feels even harder.”
Callum’s family praised him for his accomplishments as a world-champion kickboxer and for his kind heart.
His mother, Natalie, and father, Lee, expressed, “He was so loving and had a caring soul. Our hearts are shattered beyond repair.”
School Community Shares in Mourning
A joint statement from the victims’ former schools highlighted the community’s devastation.
Representatives from Porth Community School, Tonyrefail Community School, and Ysgol Nantgwyn extended their condolences, saying, “Our school communities are devastated by the loss of these former students.”
The inquest continues, leaving families and the community to navigate the profound impact of this tragedy on their lives.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn