‘THE ABSOLUTE CENTRE OF OUR WORLD’
Dad’s tribute to tragic Bradley, 14:
THE father of a boy who died in hospital after an incident at St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School in Llanelli has paid tribute to his “charismatic, wonderful and dearly loved” son.
Emergency services rushed to the Havard Road school in Dafen on Wednesday afternoon after concerns for Bradley John, aged 14. He was taken to hospital where he later died.
Bradley’s father, Byron John, has now paid tribute to his son.
He said: “We as a family are devastated to lose Bradley. He was such a charismatic, wonderful and dearly loved individual.
“He was an accomplished horse rider and founding member of the Three Counties Bloodhounds, who hunt the scent of a human runner.
“Bradley was the absolute centre of our world.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support at this horrific time. It has meant so much to the whole family.”
The school re-opened yesterday, with staff and pupils receiving specialist support.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman confirmed that police were continuing to investigate Bradley’s death.
“Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating, on behalf of HM Coroner for Carmar-thenshire, the tragic death of 14-year-old Bradley Dylan John from Ammanford,” she said.
“Police attended at St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School in Llanelli on Wednesday to assist the school and paramedics following concerns for his welfare.
“Tragically, he passed away in hospital. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
“Police are working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances that led to Bradley’s death.
“Specialist police officers are supporting the family and working with the school and the local authority to support the children and staff affected by what happened.”
Inspector Chris Neve added: “Bradley’s death has shaken the local community and on behalf of DyfedPowys Police I offer my deepest sympathy to his family.
“We are following up all possible lines of inquiry to establish a picture of what happened in the lead-up to Bradley’s death. Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this tragic time and working with the school to support his peers.”
Family, friends and Llanelli residents have also paid tribute to Bradley, a keen horse rider whose family run a “clean-boot” (cruelty-free) hunting group, on social media.
Rhian Catrin wrote on Facebook: “Absolutely devastated to hear that such a lovely young boy has passed away today. I only met him twice, but on both occasions he was polite, helpful and a credit to his parents.
“He was also a very talented rider. My heart goes out to his parents at what must be a truly horrific time for them.”
On the Baily’s Hunting Directory Facebook page, Sarah Robinson wrote: “Desperately sad to lose a young countryman.”
Deputy Mayor of Llanelli, Suzy Curry, said: “It’s just absolutely awful, and every parent’s worst nightmare.
“We’re a small, close-knit town, where everybody knows everybody. You can be sure this will affect everybody, with a ripple through the town after this news.”
Llanelli Town Councillor Sean Rees said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family involved. Tragic news.”
Glynog Davies, executive board member for education and children’s services at Carmarthenshire Council, said: “We wish to extend our most sincere sympathies to family, friends and all at St John Lloyd School at this deeply upsetting and difficult time.
“We are supporting the school in all ways possible and are ensuring that counsellors and other professionals are on hand to support pupils and staff.”