Former Bristol Rovers Academy player in intensive care following crash that killed three teenagers
A 19-year-old footballer and former Bristol Rovers[1] Academy player, remains in intensive care following a crash that killed three teenagers[2] on December 11. Lucas Vaughan was a passenger at the time of the incident, which took place in Coedely, Tonyrefail, Wales.
Jesse Owen, 18, from Tonypandy, Morgan Smith, also 18 and from Tonypandy, and Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, lost their lives in the collision between a bus and a car on Elwyn Street, Wales Online reports[3]. Heartfelt tributes have been left for the three young men near the scene of the crash and at Hendreforgan playing field in Gilfach Goch.
South Wales Police said that their thoughts are with those affected by the 'tragic incident'. They added that trained family liaison officers were currently supporting their families during this 'extremely difficult time'.
On X, (formerly Twitter[6]), Bristol Rovers Academy paid tribute. In a statement, they said: "Our thoughts are with former academy player Lucas Vaughan and his family following a serious road traffic collision. The staff are in constant communication with Lucas’s mum Claire and we are supporting the family as best we can do during this extremely difficult time."
In a club statement on X Lucas' current team, Lydney Town AFC, said: "On the eve of Monday, December 11, Lydney Town player Lucas Vaughan was involved in a serious car accident which sadly resulted in three people losing their lives. Lucas sustained life threatening injuries and was taken to Cardiff University Hospital, where he remains in a coma.
"Since joining us, initially on loan and then permanently since leaving Bristol Rovers [Academy] in the summer, Lucas, at only 18, has been a shining light at our club, an incredibly talented footballer but more so, a top top guy with a lovely manner and zest for life. We all pray with everything we have for him and his amazing family at such a difficult time.
"We thank the Hellenic League & Brimscombe & Thrupp for their understanding in rescheduling the scheduled fixture for the evening of the 12th. We're all thinking of you, mate."
Two others remain critically ill, including Lucas, who is currently receiving treatment at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. A GoFundMe[7] page has been launched in order to help support the Lydney Town AFC footballer from Tonyrefail and his family. As of Sunday morning, December 17, the fundraiser has so far helped raise more than £5,880.
The community has already rallied behind the fundraising efforts, including Fame Factory Theatre School and Rainbow Valley Productions, of which Lucas has been a member over the years. In a post shared on Facebook[8], Fame Factory Theatre School explained that Lucas and his family are a “huge part” of the school.
They added: “We have seen him grow from a boy to a man and have always been so proud of him and we hold him in our hearts dearly.” Meanwhile, Rainbow Valley Productions described Lucas as “a great young man with a promising career in football”.
Family friend Lisa Martin, who launched the GoFundMe page[9], described Lucas as a 'hard working talented footballer', adding: "He is the most kindest, loving, family-orientated young man who would do anything for anyone."
The fundraising aims to help support Lucas during his recovery over the following months. Their goal is now to reach £7,000.
A post issued alongside the GoFundMe page, reads: “As many of you are aware there was a terrible accident. 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 into the new year at least. Followed by months of hospital appointments and physio and all his other appointments at fracture clinic etc.
"Someone needs to be at home to look after him and get him through the months that lay ahead. Lucas is a very hard-working talented footballer.
"He is the most kindest, loving, family-orientated young man who would do anything for anyone. I am setting this up to try and relieve some of the financial pressure off Lucas’s family at this time who need to be at the hospital at his bedside for the foreseeable future. Any donations would be gratefully appreciated please share.”
References
- ^ Bristol Rovers (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ following a crash that killed three teenagers (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Wales Online reports (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Kate Garraway's husband 'fighting for life after heart attack' (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Tearful mum tells Bristol crowd Gaza hunger strike son is 'very unwell' (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Twitter (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ Facebook (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ the GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)