Dad in emotional tribute to bridge-tragedy son, 18
THE FATHER of a young man who fatally fell from a Llanelli bridge last week has posted a touching tribute to his son on Twitter.
Ryan Bowen, 18, fell from the Coedcae Road footbridge passing over the A484 between Llanelli and Trostre on Thursday evening.
Mr Bowen was tended by passing motorists before the arrival of the emergency services.
He passed away at Morriston hospital on Saturday afternoon.
Mr Bowen’s father, Andrew Bowen, took to Facebook on Wednesday evening to confirm Ryan’s untimely passing.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts and the deepest of regrets that we as a family announce the passing of our beautiful, loving and caring son and brother Ryan Bowen,” he wrote.
“After a tragic incident last Thursday evening, Ryan suffered a traumatic head injury that he did not survive, which has left the deepest of holes in our lives that can never be filled. The thought of never seeing you again is heart-breaking and devastating and you will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved you.
“We would like to thank anyone and everyone who was involved in any way in trying to help save Ryan’s life firstly at the scene including members of the public, first responders, air ambulance doctors and all the emergency services,” he said.
“Your efforts enabled us as a family almost three more days with Ryan allowing us to spend priceless seconds, minutes and hours to say our goodbyes. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate this.
“We don’t know who you were to name and thank you personally here right now, but you know who you are, so thank you all so much.
“Next we would like to thank everyone at Morriston Hospital A&E and ITU for all their truly amazing and professional staff ’s efforts to preserve Ryan’s life. And also for the caring way in which our whole family was treated during our time at the hospital, thank you.
“Unfortunately, at 1.30 pm on Saturday June 10 poor Ryan’s short life ended due to the severity of his brain injury. Rest In Peace Ryan Andrew Bowen 15-12-1998-10-06-2017.”
It has also emerged that Ryan Bowen was registered as an organ donor, and that he has now saved the lives of numerous others.
“However, when Ryan applied for his driving licence he made a conscious decision to register as an organ donor,” Mr Bowen confirmed. “This caring, loving and unselfish action by Ryan has saved the lives of many other people, and we salute you for this Ryan.
“We will never know who received Ryan’s organs, but we wish them a long and happy life and it gives us a sense of hope and solace just knowing that parts of Ryan live on.
“During Ryan’s time in hospital we received a tidal wave of support and love from family members, friends and friends of friends too many to be named, via every media source known such as social media, texts, emails, phone calls and cards.
“Your mountain of support gave us hope, faith and strength, Thank you.
“Since Ryan’s passing we have received a second tidal wave of love, support and comfort via social media, flowers, cards, messages and overwhelming generosity. Seeing all the beautiful and positive posts that have been made about Ryan is so touching to know how well he was loved by all who knew him, thank youso much.
“Ryan was a very happy, cheeky, mischievous and fun-loving child but most of all he was a caring boy who cared for everyone he befriended. Being the youngest of three brothers he was always older than his actual years and to get his own way he had to be tough so he got the nickname Ryan the Lion.
“He followed his brothers Luke and Curtis into many things such as rugby, gaming, music and he even attempted fashion. Ryan was also very big, tall and strong for his age so it was no surprise to see him turn into a very good rugby player which earned him a new nickname of Red Bull. Unfortunately Ryan gave up rugby at 16 and turned his attentions to music. Music was a massive part of his life and he was not slow in singing to us, his friends and also to his loving girlfriend Shannon.
“Nothing can ever bring Ryan back to us his family but we will cherish his memory for ever.”
Mr Bowen’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, June 20, with a memorial service to celebrate his life to start at 2.30 pm at the Greenfield Chapel in Murray Street. That will be followed by a cremation service at 4pm at the Llanelli Crematorium.
His family have invited all who wish to attend to a wake at The New Dock Stars Rugby Club after the service.