Inquest opens into death of boy killed in dumper truck incident

An inquest has opened into the death of a 16-year-old boy in an incident at a quarry. "Kind, funny and charming" Tomas Llŷr Davies died on March 12 after a dumper truck reportedly dropped down a slope at Gilfach Quarry in Pembrokeshire.

Coroner's officer Carrie Sheridan told the inquest opening at Llanelli Town Hall: "At 1.23pm on Tuesday, March 12, police received an emergency phone call reporting an incident involving a dumper truck at Gilfach Quarry in Efailwen. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, life was pronounced extinct at the scene by Dr Christopher Marsh of the air ambulance at 2.39pm that day."

The teenager, from Parcllyn in Ceredigion, was best known as Llŷr. A post-mortem has been carried out by Dr John Williams at Morriston Hospital but the result is still awaited. The inquest opening heard police have launched "a full investigation with ongoing enquiries". Coroner Paul Bennett said the hearing would be adjourned indefinitely to allow for police investigations.

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In a statement released through police, Llŷr's family said: "It is with great sadness that we as a family announce the passing of our beloved Llŷr. On March 12 our world was turned upside down when learning of the death of our kind, funny and charming Llŷr. Your caring and warm personality will stay with us for the rest of our days. Your ability to light up any room you walked into is something we will cherish and remember forever.

"Our lives will never be the same without you Llŷr, you will forever be in our hearts. Cysga’n dawel beautiful boy. The family wish to thank friends, family and the wider community for all their messages of support. It has given us comfort during this dark time knowing that Llŷr has touched so many lives.”

We previously reported that a witness heard a "very loud noise of crashing" at the scene of the incident before emergency services arrived. They said: "I rushed down the footpath on the opposite side of the river Cleddau and saw one of the tipper trucks in the river some 30 to 40 feet below the level of the quarry."

Tributes have been paid to the teenager by his football and rugby clubs. Cardigan Town Football Club said: "Tragic news that one of our past junior players, Llŷr Davies, died in an accident yesterday. As a club we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

"For all those friends reading this, grief can be overwhelming. You don’t have to deal with this alone. Depot, the Area 43 youth cafe in Cardigan, is open from 1pm till 7pm from Monday to Saturday for 14- to 25-year-olds and there is counselling available and support workers in the space at all times. There are also many support services available to you both face-to-face and online. Most importantly, please reach out to those around you."

Clwb Rygbi Castellnewydd Emlyn rugby club said in a statement: "Very sad news that one of our U16 players lost his life in a tragic accident. Llŷr Davies was a loveable boy and a friend to everyone. The club extends its deepest sympathies to the family and all his friends."

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident had been reported to the Health and Safety Executive.