Community heartbroken as victim of A465 quadbike crash named locally
Community heartbroken as victim of A465 quadbike crash named locally
20-year-old Ethan Powell has been described as 'a one of a kind boy' and a 'loving young man' after he was killed in a collision on Saturday
Ethan Powell has been named locally as the young man who died in a collision on the A465 in the early hours of Saturday, May 31.
(Image: GoFundMe )
A community has been left heartbroken after the death of a 20-year-old man in a quadbike accident. Ethan Powell has been named locally as the 20-year-old quadbike driver from Brynmawr who died in the crash on the A465, which is being investigated as an alleged murder.
Tributes have been posted by Ethan's loved ones remembering him as "a one of a kind boy" and a "loving young man." A GoFundMe describing Ethan as a "special person" who "will be greatly missed" has already raised more than £1,500 in his memory to support his family.
The local community in Brynmawr and Crickhowell are organising balloon releases in memory of Ethan, who was found on the A465 between Rhymney and Dowlais next to an overturned quadbike in the early hours of Saturday, May 31. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Its organisers say the balloon releases will be an opportunity "to say goodbye to such an amazing person."
Two people from Merthyr have been arrested in connection with the crash. A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving whilst unfit through drugs and a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. They have been bailed while police enquiries continue.
Tributes posted by Ethan's friends and family said he was tragically "taken too soon." In a Facebook post his friend Jake Williams said: "Can't believe I'm writing this. On Saturday I lost not only my best friend but my brother you were truly one of a kind my boy you were unbelievably funny I have so many stories on how dull and funny you were. You was take for us far to soon and you will always be my bother [sic]."
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In a post on Facebook Ethan's mum Emma wrote: "My heart breaks. Can't actually believe [I'm] writing this my boy. You were such a kind, loving soul and we all know you absolutely idolised your sister and would do anything for anyone.
"You will always live on in our hearts, our heads and our family and we will remember you daily. Taken way way too soon, you had so much life ahead of you.
"Rest in peace my sweetheart, forever loved!"
Others online described Ethan as "such a kind boy" who "could light up a room with his character" while another said he was a "sweet lad who always had a smile on his face."
In a GoFundMe page started to help raise funds to support his family Marie Williams said: "A fundraiser to support Ethan's family with whatever celebration of his life they choose, He was such a special person and will be greatly missed by so many people, all money raised will be directly given to his family. Any donation is greatly appreciated."
Since being set up on Sunday its target of raising £1,500 has already been reached. You can donate to the GoFundMe here. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
On Tuesday, Gwent Police issued a new appeal in their murder investigation into the crash. Officers found a burnt-out BMW in the Dowlais area during the investigation, which they still believe may have been involved in the collision.
They ask anyone who may have information on this car to contact them. Police are also urging for anyone who was travelling along the A465 between the hours of 2am and 5am on Saturday morning to check their dashcams.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "Officers investigating a fatal road traffic collision on the A465 westbound between Rhymney and Dowlais on Saturday, May 31 are continuing their appeal for information.
"A Brynmawr man, 20, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at around 4.50am after his quadbike was found overturned on the westbound carriageway. His family are aware and continue to receive support from specially trained officers.
"A Merthyr man, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving whilst unfit through drugs. A second man, 37 and from Merthyr also, was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. Both were later released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector for Gwent Police, Matthew Edwards, the senior investigating officer, said: "We're keen to speak to anyone who was travelling along the A465 between the hours of 2am and 5am on Saturday morning, especially motorists with dashcam, as they could have details that might assist our enquiries.
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"It is still our view that a second vehicle – a white BMW that was found burnt out in the Dowlais area – may have been involved in the collision. If you have any information about this car, then please get in touch."
"Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to call 101, contact us via our website or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2500171434. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or going to their website to report online in confidence."
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