‘He was loved by so many people’
Heartbreaking tributes paid to popular teenager Rhys Rubery who died after crash
THE family of 16-year-old Rhys Rubery, from Pencoed – who died following a collision on the A48 in Bridgend – have paid tribute to him.
His family, who were at his bedside when he died in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff last Wednesday – said they would always be proud of him.
In a statement issued through South Wales Police, they said: “Following the incident, Rhys never regained consciousness. He passed with his family beside him during the night.
“He was declared deceased at 9.26am on the 13th July 2016.
“He achieved so much in such a short time on this planet that we were and will always be proud of him
“We are just completely and utterly broken and devastated. He was loved by so many people.”
South Wales Police said Rhys was a pedestrian when he was involved in the collision with a black Suzuki motorcycle near the Merthyr Mawr junction on the A48, between Broadlands roundabout and Ewenny roundabout.
The incident happened at around 5.15pm on Tuesday, July 12.
The motorcyclist involved in the collision was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend with minor injuries.
Many floral tributes have been left at the roadside near the crash scene.
Among them is a hockey stick and a jersey for Bridgend Hockey Club, where Rhys was a player for a decade.
Chairman Adrian Hibbert said words could not fully express their sadness following his death.
Club press officer Emily Phillips said Rhys won’t just be missed as a player, but also as a friend.
“He could make anyone laugh with his sense of humour and charm.
“He brightened up many rainy and cold days on the side of the pitch and I will truly miss him,” she said.
Adrian said: “Rhys has been with us for 10 years and was a talented player, breaking into the senior teams over the past few years and showing the promise to reach the highest levels.
“Rhys was a wonderful young man, and his energy and enthusiasm will be a sad loss to us. He will be dearly missed by all at Bridgend Hockey Club.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this tragic time.
“The whole of Bridgend Hockey Club is mourning the loss of this fine young man. Words could never fully express our sadness, but we can speak of our pride that we counted Rhys among our extended family.”
An inquest into Rhys’ death was opened and adjourned on Tuesday this week.
South Wales Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision at approximately 5.15pm on Tuesday, July 12, to contact the Serious Roads Collision Investigation Unit via 101 quoting reference *261720.