A POPULAR 18-year-old student who died in a horrific crash on the Horseshoe Pass has been described by his family as a “shining star”.
Dale Williams, 18, of Ruabon, died when the Peugeot car he was travelling in left the A542 near Llangollen on Monday afternoon.
Two of Dale’s friends, both aged 18 and from Ruabon, were also in the car.
Johnathan Cassidy-Jones was also killed and Tom Pewtner was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital with chest injuries, which were not believed to be life threatening.
All three were students at Llysfasi College, near Ruthin.
Dale’s grandmother Diane Williams said: “Dale lived life to the full. He adored his family and girlfriend Jessica Jones.
“We are so proud of what he achieved. He is a shining star in the sky who bought happiness to so many people and will never be forgotten.”
Mrs Williams said Dale was a patriotic Welshman who loved the countryside and being outdoors. He was hard working and always thought of the well-being of others.
Dale had such a caring nature that he even cleaned up a recreation play area in Ruabon when he found it had broken glass on the ground, so that six-year-old brother Aled and his friends could play safely.
Dale was a talented motocross rider and won many trophies in events across the country. He was also a big fan of Everton FC.
The family has been inundated with messages of sympathy and have thanked everyone for their support, saying it is greatly appreciated.
“So many people have been in contact with us and we are very grateful,” said Mrs Williams.
Thanks have also gone to Cllr Rhys Hughes, of Llangollen, and the occupants of two other cars who were the first to arrive at the scene and tried to help when they realised an accident had taken place.
Dale’s father Stephen said their thoughts were very much with the families of Johnathan and Tom and they were keeping in touch.
“We hope that Tom gets better from his injuries,” Mr Williams said.
Grandparents Maggie and Dave Williams paid tribute saying: “We both loved him dearly.
“He had grown up to be a loving and well mannered teenager who loved life. We will treasure the memories we had with him and will miss him so much.”
Dale leaves mother and father Anne and Stephen; grandparents Diane and Phil Williams, and Maggie and Dave Williams; brother Aled and four-month-old sister Emily; uncles and aunts Craig and Debbie Williams; Simon and Samantha Williams; girlfriend Jessica Jones, and Jessica’s parents Rachael and Rob.
Diane said family friends Betty and Norman Simms from Cumbria were so close they were also like grandparents to Dale.
Inquests into the deaths of Johnathan and Dale have been opened and adjourned by acting North East Wales coroner John Gittins
The provisional cause of death, following post-mortem examinations, was in each case given as injuries due to a road traffic collision.
BOSSES at The Tivoli nightclub in Buckley have decided to donate part of the proceeds from a concert starring X Factor finalists The Risk to the families of Dale and Johnathan.
Tickets for the show on Saturday, January 21, have also been reduced from £12.50 to £5.
Support is provided by Tha Bozz.
Tickets are available by calling The Tivoli on 01244 546201 or visiting www.tivolivenue.com