Latest news with #EthanPowell
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Wales Online
Best friend of crash victim says loss is 'space in life that will never be filled'
Best friend of crash victim says loss is 'space in life that will never be filled' Ethan Powell, 20, was found on the A465 between Rhymney and Dowlais next to an overturned quadbike in the early hours of Saturday, May 31 Dozens of people remembered Ethan Powell at a balloon release on Sunday (Image: Mark Lewis ) The best friend of a young man who died in a collision on the A465 has opened up over the moment he "broke down" as he learnt the tragic news, describing how the loss is a "space in his life that will never be filled". Ethan Powell was found on the A465 between Rhymney and Dowlais next to an overturned quadbike in the early hours of Saturday, May 31. The 20-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have arrested five people as part of their investigation into the crash, one of whom has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Jake Williams was Ethan's best friend. Since his tragic passing he and his friend Kyron, who was also very close to Ethan, have begun organised events and fundraisers to remember him and to raise money for his family. On Wednesday there was a balloon release in his memory in Crickhowell and on Sunday another one was held at Welfare Park in Brynmawr. As the balloons were released on Sunday there was a particularly touching moment as Pretty Green Eyes by Ultrabeat, which was Ethan's favourite song, was played. Describing the moment he found out what had happened to his friend Jake said: "Me and his other best friend, Kyron, it was always us three together. Ethan's dad called me and Kyron because we were actually out at the time looking for him. He told us what had happened and I just broke down. I was in bits. "I have been literally speechless over the last couple of days and it kind of hit me at one point then and it has stuck with me that he has gone. Article continues below "I am really struggling with it. I have been out until late at night with Kyron just talking about random stuff to keep it off our minds. "Ethan was family to me. He was like another brother. I don't think that space in my life will ever be filled. Every day I'd come home from work he would ring me. He'd ring me in the morning, ring me at night." Ethan Powell died in a collision on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road on Saturday, May 31 (Image: Gwent Police ) Jake, aged 20, described his friend's personality, and told the story of how the pair first met. He said: "Ethan was an overall character – everything he did made everyone laugh. We met through college in Ebbw Vale. "We were on different courses – he did bricklaying and I did carpentry. "He was playing football outside and I came over and he said: 'Come and have a kickabout'. We had a game of football outside the college and before we knew it we became best buddies. "We used to play football together regularly at the welfare with all the boys. We used to go out in the cars and park up and talk about random stuff and we used to go out in Brynmawr on the weekends after rugby. He played rugby and football. "I'll always remember him first driving my car – that was a funny memory. He was having driving lessons and I let him have a go of driving my car up the industrial and all he did was stall. "He was a spontaneous person. He would make decisions in his head and he'd just go with it – it could be 10pm at night and he'd want to go to Porthcawl. We always had a good laugh together. He'd always be smiling, always laughing. He was cheeky as well. "He absolutely adored his family, his little sister and his mum and dad. He was a very, very, very good person and a talented footballer as well. Football was his main passion, a bit of rugby, he loved his tattoos. He loved his music, hard style, drum and bass, techno." The balloon release was a poignant sight (Image: Mark Lewis ) Jake said that he and Kyron are now focusing on doing what they can to keep their friend's memory alive with the phrase 'Forever 20' a central part of their efforts in memory of Ethan. He said: "We've got the balloon releases and I am selling stickers as well for cars to raise money. At the moment we're looking to organise a charity football match too to raise money for Ethan's family. We'd like to do that every year but we have to get it off the ground at the moment. We've got boys ready – it's just about sorting a referee and things like that." Gwent Police has issued an appeal in their murder investigation into the crash. Officers found a burnt-out BMW in the Dowlais area during the investigation, which they believe may have been involved in the collision. They asked anyone who may have information on this car to contact them. Police are also urging anyone who was travelling along the A465 between the hours of 2am and 5am on May 31 to check their dashcams. A spokesman 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 inquiries 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 inquiries. "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." Article continues below "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." A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Ethan's family and has so far raised more than £1,700. If you wish to make a donation you can do so by clicking here.
The Irish Sun
05-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Tributes to ‘kindest of souls,' 20, killed in horror ‘quad bike crash' as five arrested & murder probe launched
A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to the "kindest of souls", 20, who was killed in a quad bike crash. Ethan Powell tragically died after the horror unfolded on a stretch of road between Rhymney and Dowlais, in Merthyr Tydfil, on May 31. 2 Ethan Powell tragically died after the crash on May 31 Credit: WNS 2 Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the 20-year-old Credit: WNS Officers were called to the incident at around 4.50am and pronounced the youngster dead at the scene. Ethan's devastated family have now paid tribute to their son. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, as a family, can confirm the passing of our much loved and cherished son Ethan," they said in a statement shared by Gwent Police. 'Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life. Read More "He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room. 'He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day. 'Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him. 'We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday. Most read in The Sun 'It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family.' 'Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.' It comes as police have arrested five people in connection with Ethan's death. A 43-year-old man, from Tredegar, and a 34-year-old man, from Pontypridd, were both arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. They remain in police custody. A Merthyr man, 41, was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. He has been released on conditional bail as investigations continue. However he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry. Another Merthyr man, 40, was detained on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while 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 released on conditional bail as enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector for Gwent Police, Matthew Edwards, the senior investigating officer, said on Tuesday: "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. "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. A spokesperson for the force added: "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."
The Sun
05-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Tributes to ‘kindest of souls,' 20, killed in horror ‘quad bike crash' as five arrested & murder probe launched
A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to the "kindest of souls", 20, who was killed in a quad bike crash. Ethan Powell tragically died after the horror unfolded on a stretch of road between Rhymney and Dowlais, in Merthyr Tydfil, on May 31. 2 Officers were called to the incident at around 4.50am and pronounced the youngster dead at the scene. Ethan's devastated family have now paid tribute to their son. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, as a family, can confirm the passing of our much loved and cherished son Ethan," they said in a statement shared by Gwent Police. 'Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life. "He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room. 'He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day. 'Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him. 'We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday. 'It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family.' 'Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.' It comes as police have arrested five people in connection with Ethan's death. A 43-year-old man, from Tredegar, and a 34-year-old man, from Pontypridd, were both arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. They remain in police custody. A Merthyr man, 41, was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. He has been released on conditional bail as investigations continue. However he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry. Another Merthyr man, 40, was detained on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while 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 released on conditional bail as enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector for Gwent Police, Matthew Edwards, the senior investigating officer, said on Tuesday: "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. "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. A spokesperson for the force added: "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."
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Man, 20, found dead next to overturned quadbike with burned out BMW discovered in nearby town: Police arrest five amid murder probe
Five men have been arrested amid a murder probe following the death of a 20-year-old man who was found next to an overturned quad bike. Ethan Powell of Brynmawr, was found deceased on the A465, between Rhymney and Downlais, south Wales in the early hours of May 31 following a fatal crash. Officers also believe a white BMW which was found 'burnt out' miles away from the collision in the Downlais area, may have been involved. The police force have made five arrests in connection with the incident, which includes two men, aged 43 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender and are currently in police custody. A 41-year-old man from was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. He was released on conditional bail but he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry. A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while unfit through drugs. A 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. Both were later released on conditional bail as enquiries continue. Mr Powell's heartbroken family have since paid a touching tribute to the 'adventurous' and 'forever loved' youngster, who was 'the kindest of souls'. 'Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life,' his family said. 'He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room. He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day. 'Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him. 'We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday. 'It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family. Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.' Others online described Ethan as 'a kind boy' who 'could light up a room with his character' while others dubbed him a 'sweet lad who always had a smile on his face.' Officers investigating the tragedy on the main A465 on the Heads of the Valleys road in South Wales found a burnt-out BMW in the Dowlais area of Merthyr Tydfil. Detective Chief Inspector 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. '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 has been urged to call 101, or contact the force via their website quoting reference 2500171434. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or going to their website to report online in confidence.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
A465: Tribute to 'kindest soul' who died in quadbike crash
The family of a man killed in a crash have described him as the "kindest of souls".A quadbike was found overturned on the A465 westbound between Rhymney, Caerphilly, and Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, at about 04:50 BST on 31 May. Ethan Powell, 20, from Brynmawr in Blaenau Gwent, died at the people have been arrested in connection with the crash - one of them on suspicion of murder. Ethan's family said he was the "funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room"."He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day," they said."Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him."They thanked the "overwhelming support" and said it brought them comfort to see how well thought of he was, and asked for "privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss". A 40-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil was arrested on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while unfit through drugs.A 37-year-old man, also from Merthyr Tydfil, was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an were later released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.A man from Tredegar, 43 and a man from Pontypridd, 34, were both arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender and are currently in police custody.A 41-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. He was released on conditional bail for this investigation, but recalled to prison for an unrelated matter.
