‘The kindest gentleman, a beautiful soul...’
Heartfelt tributes to tragic rugby player found dead after hunt that whole community joined:
THE family of a man who died after going missing say they will remember him “as the kindest gentleman, a beautiful soul”.
Scott Davies’ family paid an emotional tribute to the 29-year-old after his body was found.
The news has left Maesteg – where dozens of the rugby player’s friends took part in an “extraordinary search” – grief-stricken.
Dozens of Scott Davies’ teammates from Maesteg Celtic RFC and friends joined family members and the police to sweep the area around his Maesteg home after he went missing late Saturday – with some of the players staying out all night.
On Tuesday, Scott’s sister Jodie-lee Davies issued a statement from the family.
She said: “Firstly, all the family would like to thank the community for their help at this very difficult time, especially all of Maesteg Celtic.
“Scott will always be remembered as the kindest gentleman, a beautiful soul and the most infuriatingly happy person by everyone who had the joy of getting to know him.
“You will always be missed – there is a Scottshaped hole in the lives of his family, friends and team mates. Maesteg Celtic’s dance floor will never be so blessed again.
“We, like you, are all heartbroken and devastated. Through all this tragedy we will try and take some solace that Scott has now found the peace he was looking for.
“Moving forward, we will look after each other for him and carry a little bit of him wherever we go.”
Police said they are not treating Scott’s death as suspicious.
Maesteg Celtic RFC – where Scott played as a flanker and was a past youth team player of the year – has cancelled all training sessions this week and the seconds’ team fixture on the weekend as a mark of respect.
A decision is due to be made on the first team’s home fixture against Pwllheli, but the club said a tribute would be paid to Scott.
Club treasurer and chairman Ian Davies said: “He has been with the club for many, many years. Everyone is absolutely stunned.”
Maesteg councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas, who was in school with Scott, said: “There is a palpable sense of grief in Maesteg.
“Scott was a well-liked, fun-loving character. The outpouring of support through social media over the past few days is testament to his popularity and how well thought-of he was.
“I know that the thoughts of everybody in the Llynfi Valley will be with his family and closest friends as they try to come to terms with such awful news.
“I’ve no doubt that they will have an enormous amount of support from the community in the weeks and months that lie ahead.”
Police said Scott went missing from his River Street home at around 10pm on Saturday.
Specialist search officers and the police helicopter checked the local area, assisted by Scott’s teammates, friends and concerned residents.
Dozens of people also changed their Facebook status to include Scott’s picture and an appeal for information.
“Immediately search parties were set up and players, friends, family and people that were just concerned got out and started creating their own search parties,” said Mr Davies.
“That carried on through Sunday and Sunday night.
“Many of our players were still out till 2am – some were out all night.
“There was a meeting at the club at Monday lunchtime and we went back out at 2pm and then we heard the sad news.
“From what I’ve been told by other people, there was an extraordinary turnout of players and rugby players from other clubs turning up to help in the search, showing the true spirit of Maesteg.
“One of the people that was instrumental in leading the search is player James Jones. He has been absolutely terrific.
“He led the search teams and co-ordinated and has worked tirelessly.”
The Samaritans run a free 24-hour helpline on 116 123.