Families left devastated as pair die in Gower road collision

FAMILY tributes have been paid to two youngsters killed in a Gower car crash.

James Alexander Holder, 17, from Swansea city centre, and 22-year-old Jonathan Craig Knoedl, from Gowerton, died when the vehicle they were passengers in left the road and collided with a tree near Llanrhidian.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or those who were in the area at the time — especially the five woman in a white vehicle described as "chunky" — to come forward.

The family of James described him as a friendly teenager who was pursuing his dream of a career in animal husbandry.

In a joint statement they said: "James was a likeable and friendly youngster with his whole life ahead of him.

"He was looking forward to the future and had just started a course in animal care at Bridgend College, the one thing he had always wanted to do.

"He was a loving brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who will be sadly missed but always in the hearts of those who know him."

The family of the second victim of the crash, Jonathan, also paid a personal tribute to their loved-one.

His parents, Gail and Peter, said: "Jonathan was one of four children.

"His two brothers, Karl and James, and sister Danielle are extremely devastated by the loss of their brother and best mate.

"Jonathan was known by his friends and family as Johnny and was well known in the Gower and Swansea areas.

"Johnny was a partner, with his brother James in JK Gardening Services and was a landscape gardener with the company."

They added that they wanted to thank everyone for their kindness since the accident.

Investigation

Police are continuing their investigation into the crash, which happened on the B4295 near Llanrhidian Caravan Park at around 7.50pm on Saturday.

The 25-year-old driver of the car and a third passenger, aged 21, were injured in the accident, and remain in Morriston Hospital.

South Wales Police say the black Golf the four were travelling in was travelling towards Crofty when it left the road and hit a tree three some three quarters of a mile from the entrance of the caravan park.

No other vehicle was involved.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash — or anyone who saw the vehicle in the minutes before the incident — to come forward as they may hold vital clues.

Officers say they are particularly keen to hear from the occupants of two vehicles — a white vehicle described as "chunky" containing five females, and a black car — that are known to have left the queue of traffic that formed following the collision.

Floral tributes and messages have been laid on the roadside near the spot of the accident.

One read: "Dear James, you were an amazing brother, even though annoying at times, and a great grandson, nephew and cousin.

"You will always be in our hearts but you are in a better place now, up there with mummy. Sleep tight baby bro. RIP. Love, Fenton, Grandma, Grandad xxx."

Another said: "Dear Johnny, such a true gentleman. Will be sadly missed by so many people.

"It's been a pleasure knowing you, words cannot describe how much everyone will miss you. Love you mate! From Adam, Mi, Rags, and Asplano x."

A third tribute said: "Johnny, you will be missed so much and things will not be the same without you.

"You were a brilliant person inside and out, and always had a smile.

"Karaoke in the Royal will never be the same again. Make sure you smile down once in a while. You will never be forgotten.

"Love you, Heather, Collin, Vicky, Madison and Mel."

Can you help? Call South Wales Police's Western roads policing unit on 01792 456999

jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk

01792 514605