TRIBUTES have been paid to two popular teenagers killed in a horrific crash on the Horseshoe Pass.
Johnathan Cassidy-Jones and Dale Williams, both 18, of Ruabon, were killed when the car they were travelling in left the A542 near Llangollen on Monday.
A third teenager, Tom Pewtner, also 18, and from Ruabon, survived the crash and was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. All three teenagers were students at Llysfasi College.
Johnathan’s parents, Paula and Nigel Jones, have paid tribute to him, saying he was “everything you could want for in a son”.
Mr and Mrs Jones said their thoughts were very much with Dale and Tom’s families. They also wanted to say thank you to Johnathan’s girlfriend, Shona Rowlands, of Buckley, saying she made his life so happy.
“We are very proud of him. He was everything you could want for in a son – hard working, caring and thoughtful,” said Mrs Jones.
“He was studying at Llysfasi College and worked part time at the Farm and Pet Place near Chirk. He loved the countryside, working outdoors and being with people – an absolutely wonderful son who will be greatly missed by so many people.”
Mr and Mrs Jones said Johnathan was very keen on motorbikes and loved to work on machinery.
Sion Pritchard, sales director of the Farm and Pet Place, said: “Johnathan was a lovely young man, who was well respected by his work colleagues and our customers.
“His death is a tragic loss of a young life and our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Among those adding their tributes was Ann Rose, of Overton Road, Ruabon. Ann’s grandson Ben Rose was a friend of Johnathan’s.
“Johnny was a lovely lad, very hard working and polite. He often used to come to the house with Ben. It was terrible to hear of the accident. Ruabon is a close community and people are so sad at what has happened.”
A spokesman for Deeside College said: “Everyone involved at Coleg Llysfasi, part of the Deeside College group of colleges, is devastated to hear about the tragic deaths of forestry student Dale and machinery student Johnathan.
“They were both well liked and talented students hoping to embark on exciting careers after they had completed their courses.
“This is a very tragic accident with the loss of such young lives. All of our thoughts are with their family and friends at this very difficult and sad time.
“Our thoughts are also with our third student Tom, injured in the same accident, and we are all wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
“We will be working closely to support our students at Coleg Llysfasi in the coming days and weeks as they come to terms with the tragic loss of their friends.”
Ysgol Rhiwabon headteacher, Angela Williams, said Dale and Johnathan are in the thoughts of staff and students, especially those in year 13 who were their classmates. She led a special sixth form assembly in which she paid tribute to the two former students.
She added: “I recall them very well, they were vibrant characters whom we remember with great affection.”
Mrs Williams said the school will be contacting the families to offer everyone’s condolences and to discuss appropriate ways of remembering Johnathan and Dale. The school will also be supporting students.
Michael Ellis, 20, from Ruabon, was good friends with Dale and Tom. As he was too upset to talk yesterday, his father, Fred Ellis, said: “Michael had been friends with Dale and Tom since they were all at Ysgol Rhiwabon together. It is a real tragedy.
“I knew the lads too as they often came round to our house.
“I recall them as good lads who never had a bad word for anyone.
“Dale was very keen on motorbikes and used to travel all over the country to enter motocross competitions.
“Michael and I would like to pass our sympathies on to the families of Dale and Johnny on their sad loss.”
Dana Davies, county councillor for the Ruabon ward, said: “This is a terrible tragedy and my heart goes out to the families.”
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said: “I am deeply saddened at the news of this horrific crash. My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of those who have died.
“Sadly we have seen other accidents in that area over the years. It’s important we look carefully at the circumstances behind these fatalities and work with both the Welsh Government and the local authority to make any road safety changes that may be needed in the area.”
A statement from Ruabon Community Council said members were shocked by the news of the accident, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of the young men involved.”
Father Moses Namoune, of St Mary The Virgin Roman Catholic Church in Ruabon, said: “I can’t express how I feel in empathising with the families of these young men. They were very promising young people. It is tragic. They are all in my prayers.”
Police said on Monday Tom sustained chest injuries, which were not believed to be life threatening.
Officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information to contact PC Aled Jackson at the roads policing unit by telephoning 101.
Acting North-East Wales Coroner John Gittins said the deaths had been reported to him and post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted today.