by Police investigating a car crash in Snowdonia that claimed the lives of four sixth year students are appealing for dash camera footage.
Jevon Hirst, 16; Harvey Owen, 17; Wilf Fitchett, 17; and Hugo Morris, aged 18, was found dead in his crashed silver Ford Fiesta, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, on Tuesday morning.
It was a tragic end to a major two-day search launched after the boys, from Shrewsbury in Shropshire, were reported missing after failing to return home from a camping trip.
The car is understood to have veered onto the A4058 near Garreg Llanfrothen, near Tremadóg, and was found on its roof partially submerged.
North Wales Police are investigating the crash, and have launched an appeal for dashcam footage, spanning two days.
“Police are particularly keen to receive dash cam footage from anyone who may have been traveling on the A4085 between Penrhyndeudraeth and Beddgelert in either direction between 11am on Sunday, November 19 and 10am on Tuesday, November 21 to contact them,” the force said. statement.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the boys’ families were holding a vigil in the remote country lane where the accident happened. A photo published by MailOnline showed bunches of flowers tied to trees at the scene.
A source close to the police investigation told MailOnline: “The families came to the scene of the accident to hold a quick vigil for their loved ones.”
Superintendent Simon Barrasford of North Wales Police said: “Our deepest sympathies and thoughts remain with the families of the four boys. They are all supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers.
“A full and detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision. Part of that investigation involves reviewing CCTV footage and we would like to thank everyone who has already contacted us.
“Part of the investigation will also involve a full forensic examination of a vehicle and work is underway with our Forensic Investigation Unit for Investigation.
“We would like to thank the local community in Garreg for their continued patience and understanding.”
The boys are said to have stopped for supplies at a shop in the coastal town of Harlech on Sunday, on their way to an overnight camping trip in Snowdonia National Park.
Shopkeeper Lucy Jones told The Sun they looked very good, saying: “They were happy, laughing and joking around … they all seemed to be in a very good mood.”
Rhys Williams, a farmer who lives near where the car was found, told the Mirror that the wrecked Ford Fiesta was found by a waste collector in a recycling lorry on Tuesday morning, amid a major search by police and rescue teams.” it must have been going from Harlech north towards Snowdonia,” Mr Williams told the newspaper. “This is one of two roads they could have built.
“There are no tracks on the road, nothing to see. It’s a sharp bend, it narrows. There were a lot of leaves on that corner. There had been an accident or two there before. “The boys’ families, friends, and the community in Shropshire after expressing their deep sorrow at the tragedy.
Crystal Owen, mother of 17-year-old Harvey, said: “I feel like I’m having a nightmare I want to wake up from but I’m not.
“I just wanted to say that I appreciate people’s kindness but no amount of messaging will help me get over this. Nothing will make this nightmare go away.”
The staff at the Dough and Oil restaurant where Harvey worked also paid tribute to him.
In a post on Instagram, they described him as “easygoing, warm, funny, sweet, bright, hardworking and humble”.
“He gave it his all, developing a passion for dough and dreaming of one day opening his own bakery,” they said.
“Before shifts, or on his break, he is often listening to music or his head in a book – unusual for his age enjoying the likes of The Doors and Jack Kerouac, always keen to chat and discover something new.
“Our love, thoughts and condolences go out to the Harvey family and to Harvey’s family and friends, their lives full of promise have been cut so tragically short.”
Maddi Corfield, Wilf’s girlfriend, 17, paid tribute online, writing: “I love you so much, I will miss you forever.
“The sweetest and most loving boy I have ever seen. I hope you know how much I love you, gorgeous. Thank you for all the time you have spent with me… thank you for loving me endlessly. I promise I will do the same for you, sweet sweet angel.”
She added: “I can’t imagine my life without you. I want you so much already, but I’m going to enjoy life as you would want, as you made me feel.”
Shrewsbury Group of Colleges, where the boys were A-level students, offered their “heartfelt condolences to the family and friends” of the teenagers and said they had put in place a range of support measures to help those affected.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent his condolences to the families, telling MPs on Wednesday: “I know the thoughts of the whole House are with the family and friends of the four teenagers who died in a car crash in North Britain Big.”
Anyone who may have information or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers at the Road Crime Unit via live web chat quoting reference number 23001169854.
