A teenage survivor is still fighting for his life more than a week after a crash which killed three of his friends and left a second boy critically injured.
Sam Griffiths, 18, was described as ‘selfless, caring, and funny’ by friends as they launched a fundraising page to support his family.
Sam and talented footballer Lucas Vaughan, 19, were the two survivors of the horror smash which killed friends Morgan Smith, 18, Callum Griffiths, 19, and Jesse Owen, 18.
The tragedy happened last Monday when the Audi they were in was involved in a head-on smash with a bus on a dark village road.
Police are investigating the collision in the village of Coedely, near Tonyrefail, South Wales, which happened at around 7pm that evening after the boys had been to a funeral.
Friend Joe Isaac, who launched the fundraising page, said: ‘Sam and five other young boys were involved in a tragic accident that occurred in Tonyrefail on Monday, December 11.
‘Sam Griffiths was one among the passengers in this heartbreaking incident. Sam is receiving the best care possible, in Cardiff intensive care unit of Heath Hospital following the tragedy, suffering from life threatening injuries.
‘Sam is a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He is a selfless, caring, unintentionally funny young boy who will continue to fight through the tough next few steps in intensive care.
‘I’m putting this up in an attempt to ease some of the financial strain on Sam’s family, who will now need to spend the majority of their time by his bedside in the hospital.’
More than 100 well-wishers had donated to the fundraising page in the first 24 hours it was launched and raised more than £1,800.
A similar page for Lucas was launched last week and had already exceeded more than £10,000.
The page 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.’
South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the crash and inquests are expected to open into the boys’ deaths in the coming days.
In tributes issued through police, Jesse’s family said he had ‘a presence that would light up any room.’
They added: ‘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.’
Morgan’s family described him as ‘a popular boy’ and a ‘well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.’
They said: ‘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 mother Natalie, father 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’.
His sister Erin 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.’
Morgan’s father Daniel Chalfont described him as ‘my baby boy’ and said he was ‘literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for.’
He later added: ‘Literally lost my son and my best friend all in one. Never gunna be the same without you my boy. You was so special to so many people.. So proud to have been able to call u my son.’
His mother Laura said: ‘My special precious boy.. You made me a mum! You have been through my life from me being 15yrs old!
‘You gave me life, hope & taught me everything I needed to grow up in life.. And I thank you so much for that!
‘Never a day went by where we’d not say love you.. Even right up to 17:17pm yesterday evening we said love you to each other.
‘Love you my brown eyed beautiful inside & out amazing SON! ROCK! CHAMP! ‘Mammy can’t wait to hold you.’
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
