Double-death crash victim was father with ‘heart of gold’
A DAD of one who had a “heart of gold” died in a double death crash on one of South Wales’ main roads.
Gavin Carter, 27, from the Tonyrefail area, was yesterday named as the second fatality of Tuesday’s collision.
The accident happened at around 4.10pm that day on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road.
It involved a black Renault Megane driven by Mr Carter and a blue Renault Kangoo.
Mr Carter was taken to hospital in a critical condition following the incident, but sadly he later died of his injuries at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
A tribute released by his grieving family yesterday read: “Gavin is survived by his mother Lynne along with his besotted partner Julie.
“He is a loving father of Rozabell, younger brother of Stephanie and older brother to Craig.
“Gavin was a scaffolder which he loved doing and had recently been given funding to continue his training.
“He was a keen sportsman and loved boxing and rugby and had many trophies. Gavin loved being outdoors.
“Gavin was loved by everyone he came into contact with and would help anyone.
“He had a heart of gold and always enjoyed a laugh.”
The tribute came just 24 hours after South Wales Police confirmed the identity of the other fatality.
David Peter Jones, 63, from Penderyn, Hirwaun, had been driving the Renault Kangoo and died at the scene of the crash.
As reported in yesterday’s Echo, the family of Mr Jones – who was known as Peter – described him as a “loved and adored” family man.
A statement released via South Wales Police said: “Peter was a much loved and adored husband, brother and uncle. He was an honest, hard-working and unassuming man who would do anything for anyone.
“He loved his wife Claire, his family and friends, his dogs, his hobbies; laughter and life.
“He has been cruelly ripped away from our lives and Claire is heartbroken at his loss.”
An investigation into the deaths is being be carried out on behalf of the coroner.
Both of the men’s families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
Two air ambulance, police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision, which happened between Baverstocks and Hirwaun,
Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or the manner in which either vehicle was being driven prior to it.
■ Anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage which may assist the investigation, or anyone who left the area prior to giving their details to police, is also asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit via 101, giving reference *381713.