The family of Gareth Stephenson, who tragically lost his life last Sunday night, has shared heartfelt tributes, reminding all who knew him of the light he brought to their lives. Gareth, from the Aberystwyth area, died following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A470 between Llanidloes and Llandinam at approximately 10:30 PM on January 26.
Describing their loss, his family expressed, "Words can’t describe how much pain this devastating loss has caused our family and will, undoubtedly, cause the people who Gareth has met throughout his life." Those who knew Gareth might attest to his infectious spirit; his family recalls him as someone who "lit up every room with his infectiously sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh, whether through his love for singing, dancing, and all things dramatic or just simply being himself." The deep emotional scars from this unexpected tragedy highlight the magnitude of Gareth's presence.
Gareth’s family noted they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community, saying, "We know Gareth was well-loved and will be missed by so many people. We take comfort knowing he had such a big impact on so many people." This community response has likely provided some solace during their mourning.
Reflecting on their cherished memories, they conveyed their intention to laugh and cry together as they honor Gareth’s legacy. "We would like to take this time to thank everyone who was a good friend to Gareth. We are forever grateful for the impact you made on his life," they added. It’s clear the family is leaning on each other as they navigate this challenging time.
From their poignant words, the family wants to stress the depth of their grief: "Gareth will leave a big hole in our lives and we can’t even begin to come to terms with his unexpected passing." They kindly requested privacy as they begin this painful grieving process, asking for respect during this emotionally charged time.
Authorities are steadfastly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Dyfed Powys Police have continued their appeal for information, urging anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage related to the collision to come forward. They can be contacted online at Dyfed Powys Police, via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling 101. Anyone who witnessed the event, or who has information to share, could aid significantly in their investigation.
This tragedy echoes the everyday risks posed on roads and serves as sobering reminder of how swiftly life can change. The loss of Gareth Stephenson reverberates through his community, as those who loved him work to piece together their heartache during this time of mourning.