RUABON is a community united in grief as the first of two funerals has been held following a horrific crash on the Horseshoe Pass.
Around 500 mourners attended the service for 18-year-old Johnathan Cassidy-Jones at St Mary’s Parish Church yesterday, conducted by Rev Trish Owens.
Today the funeral of Johnathan’s friend Dale Williams, 18, will take place at St Mary’s at 11.30am.
The two teenagers died when the car they were travelling in left the A542 near Llangollen on January 9. Their friend Tom Pewtner, also 18, survived the crash but sustained a number of injuries.
Many mourners wept and hugged one another in their grief as they packed into the church for Johnathan’s funeral, with standing room only at the rear.
The service included the hymns All Things Bright and Beautiful, Morning Has Broken as well as modern songs which were favourites of Johnathan’s.
Tributes to Johnathan spoke of his deep love for the countryside, his family and how he worked hard to do the best job he could.
The order of service included the inscription: “Words are few, feelings are deep. Memories of you, we will always keep.”
Johnathan’s family said their thoughts were with Dale’s family. They also wished Tom a speedy recovery.
Carol Lewis, of Grade One Barbers in Ruabon, knew Johnathan and Dale. She closed the shop to attend yesterday’s funeral. Speaking before the service she told the Leader: “So many people have been devastated by what has happened. A lot of people in Ruabon are going to pay their respects. They were such nice lads and both were part of the community.”
Johnathan and Dale were students at Llysfasi College in Ruthin and former pupils of Ysgol Rhiwabon.
The headteacher of Ysgol Rhiwabon, Angela Williams, said she and a number of other members of staff and students were attending the funerals.
“Johnathan was a popular student. Similar arrangements are in place for Dale’s funeral. Any students who have requested permission to attend will be allowed to go,” she added.
Members of the Coleg Llysfasi management team and staff were attending the funerals of Johnathan and Dale.
A spokeswoman added: “The college has been in contact with the families of all three students involved to offer support in this very sad time.”