TRIBUTE TO RHYS
A MAN whose death has been linked to the drug ketamine has been described as “caring and mature beyond his years”.
Rhys Trezise, 25, from Radyr in Cardiff, became pale and collapsed during a night out with friends and was pronounced dead in hospital, an inquest opening has heard.
As previously reported in the Echo, his death was the first of two in Cardiff in a matter of days that police believe may be linked to the drug ketamine.
Mr Trezise, of Trem y Coed, Radyr, collapsed in Taff Street, Tongwynlais, at around 12.15am on Sunday, November 15.
Estate Agents Jeffrey Ross, where Mr Trezise worked, said he was he was “caring and mature beyond his years”.
A statement shared with employees said: “Rhys was an extremely valued member of the team.
“The best compliment I could pay Rhys is that he was the exact type of character we look to employ at JR [Jeffrey Ross], he had great sense of humour, he was caring and mature beyond his years and I’m sure he made every one of you laugh at some point in time.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his girlfriend Mollie and the rest of his family.
“He will be truly missed by us all of us, particularly those in the Llanishen branch.”
Bridgend Street Football Club in Cardiff have also paid tribute to Mr Trezise, who organised sponsorship for the club which enabled them to purchase firstclass training tops.
The manager of the club’s under-12 side, James Vaughan, said: “Rhys was a top guy who was genuinely interested in our players and passionate about making them stand out from the rest. I am absolutely gutted that he won’t be around to see them.
“The world is a poorer place without him.”
Following Mr Trezise’s death eight people were arrested.
Seven of those have since been released under investigation on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
Richard Rees, 31, from Pentrebane, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and possession of cannabis.
He appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court last week and has been remanded in custody for a further hearing at Cardiff Crown Court next month.
In a separate incident 24 hours before Mr Trezise collapsed – which police do not believe was connected – emergency services were called to Llys Talybont, in Cathays, where an 18-year-old university student was found collapsed by flatmates.
She was also taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where she died last Monday.
South Wales Police have said there is nothing at this stage to suggest the deaths are connected but they are investigating the possibility that the drug ketamine might be a factor in both cases.
Detective Inspector Grant Wilson said: “Two families have been left heartbroken by the death of two much-loved young adults and they are being supported while we continue with our enquiries.
“Detectives are continuing to work hard to establish the exact circumstances and would appeal for anyone with information to please contact us.”
Following the death of law student Megan Pollitt, 23-year-old Lanoi Lidell, from Pentwyn, was charged with offering to supply ketamine and cocaine on November 15 this year, offering to supply ketamine and MDMA between October 31 and November 9 this year, and supplying MDMA and ketamine.
He is due to appear in Cardiff Crown Court next month.
Witnesses or anyone with information in relation to either incident can contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence *414468.