Tributes to ‘inspirational’ young man
TRIBUTES have been paid to an “inspirational” and “greatly respected” young man and rugby player after his sudden death aged 29.
Bradley Carter, from Merthyr Tydfil, was found dead near Cefn Coed viaduct on Thursday, August 6.Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.
Also known as Bradley Tarbuck, he played for both Dowlais RFC and Cefn Coed RFC during his career, and has been described as a “greatly respected” young man who “lit up the room”.
A statement from Dowlais RFC said: “Tragic news as we learn of the tragic passing of former player Bradley Tarbuck.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this time. We are proud to display Brad’s U16 Boys Club of
Wales Cap.
RIP Bradley.”
A statement from Cefn
Coed RFC said: “All at the club send our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family on the passing of
Brad.
“He was a talented and popular player at the Cefn Coed RFC and will be missed by his team-mates and friends at the club. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Cefn Coed RFC’s head coach Damian Regis paid a touching tribute to Bradley, describing him as a “great guy”.
“He was pretty inspirational for a lot of his friends, he got a lot of his mates involved in the game who initially wouldn’t.
“He lit up the room. You would know he was in the room, he liked his banter and social interaction and he was very much a people person. He was a practical joker. He really was a good character.
“He loved life, which makes it difficult to comprehend what happened.”
“He was a very talented rugby player”, Damian added of Bradley, who had played in the back row as a youngster and then moved to centre.
“He got to a really good level in his younger age, he was a good prospect for the game, but with injury and work and other commitments, he pulled away from the game.
“A lot of his very close friends still play at the club and speak within our WhatsApp group and we are already going to play some sort of memorial game for Bradley, for what Brad has given to the club,” Damian added.
For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.