Tributes paid following tragic deaths of four Shrewsbury teenagers
Tributes have been paid by members of the Shrewsbury community following the news that four local teenagers died in North Wales.
Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris were reported missing on Sunday morning.
The teenagers who were students at Shrewsbury Colleges Group had travelled to the North Wales area for an overnight camping trip.
North Wales Police said their bodies were recovered from a silver Ford Fiesta which appears to have left the road on the A4085 at Garreg, near Tremadog.
Supt Owain Llewellyn of North Wales Police said: “At present, this appears to have been a tragic accident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the four young men at this very difficult time.
“This has been an extensive search involving different agencies and volunteers, and this is sadly not the outcome that any of us would have wanted."
Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the car leaving the road.
On Wednesday, Superintendent Owain Llewellyn said: “As part of our investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the four young teenagers in the Garreg area we are continuing to carry out a detailed search of the area where the car was found. As a result the A4058 will remain closed until we are satisfied all related property has been recovered.
“Our thoughts remain with the families at this extremely difficult time and I would like to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding.”
Tributes
Speaking in the House of Commons Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave his condolences to the families. He said: "I know the thoughts of the whole House will be with the family and friends of the four teenagers who died in a car accident in north Wales."
Shropshire Council leader Lezley Picton said the news is “heartbreaking“.
She said: “On behalf of Shropshire Council and I am sure I speak for everyone in Shropshire in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those found and we ask that they can be left in peace to grieve.
"We will be offering support from specialist teams to the communities around Shrewsbury College and Meole Brace Secondary School as many people will be affected by this.”
Shrewsbury Colleges Group said: "We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the four young men who tragically died in the suspected traffic accident.
"This news is truly heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragic news.
"We would like to thank the emergency services and local mountain rescue teams, as well as members of the public for their assistance in helping with the search and helping to locate the vehicle.
"We will be working directly with students and staff who are affected by this terrible accident and have put in place a range of support measures for all of our community."
Shrewsbury Town Football Club posted on Facebook saying: "The thoughts and condolences of Shrewsbury Town Football Club are with everyone affected by the heartbreaking and devastating news coming out of North Wales."
Shrewsbury Town Council issued the following statement: "The Mayor is deeply saddened by the tragic news about the four students from Shrewsbury. Her heart goes out to their family and friends who have suffered such immeasurable loss and she sends her deepest condolences. May the Shrewsbury community unite at this terrible time."
Telford & Wrekin Council's leader also paid tribute on social media. He said: "My heart goes out to the boys families. I can’t begin to sense the heartbreak the family and friends of these wonderful young men with a bright future ahead of them are feeling."
West Mercia Police has expressed condolences to the families of four teenagers from Shrewsbury who sadly died after their vehicle left the road in North Wales.
Shropshire local policing commander, Superintendent Stu Bill, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of the four teenagers who sadly died. We know many people in Shrewsbury will be affected by their deaths and will continue to support the local community.
“North Wales Police’s investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the car leaving the road continues and we have family liaison officers working with our colleagues at North Wales Police to support the families of the boys who died.”
Shrewsbury Christmas Lights switch-on cancelled
A Christmas lights switch-on event due to take place in Shrewsbury this evening has been cancelled as a mark of respect. The majority of shops will also close at their normal time rather than late night opening.
The Town Clerk detailed the reasoning behind the Town Council’s decision to cancel celebrations.
She said: “The mood of the Town is very subdued today. Many people knew of the four boys who tragically lost their lives and no-one is really in the mood to celebrate Christmas festivities at this difficult time. We have been in touch with the College and will help them in whatever way we can to commemorate their lives when a more appropriate time allows.”
The Christmas Lights will be quietly switched on over the next few days.
Doors open at Shrewsbury Abbey and local church
The Trinity Centre I'm Meole Brace was today open for people to take time and space to pray.
Shrewsbury Abbey was also open all day for prayer and reflection.
