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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Martin Fricker and Ryan Merrified & Gemma Ryder

Cardiff and QPR footballer's son found dead with two friends after night out

One of the victims who died in a horror crash during a night out has been identified as the son of ex-footballer Leon Jeanne.

Rafel Jeanne, 24, was one of three people found dead at the scene after police went on a manhunt for five young people who went missing after a night out in south Wales on Friday.

His dad Leon, 42, is known for playing for Cardiff City and QPR before retiring in 2015.

Rafel and his group of friends were last seen around 2am on Saturday morning. They are understood to have partied in popular bar Muffler in Newport before going to clubbing hotspot Trecco Bay in Porthcawl.

A frantic search was launched for the group lasting 48 hours before police found three of those reported missing dead in the St Mellons area of Cardiff at around midnight last night. Officers believe the car they were travelling in was involved in a crash and came off the A48.

Leon Jeanne (South Wales Echo)

Rafel, from Cardiff, was pictured in a Snapchat post on the night out with Darcy Ross, 21, who was also said to have been killed in the crash along with Eve Smith, 21. Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

However, Gwent Police has not yet confirmed the identities of those who have died.

Eve's sister Lauren Doyle updated a Facebook post in the early hours of Monday to confirm she was among those to have died.

"I will not comment on anyone other than Eve Smith to confirm that she has been confirmed as deceased," she wrote.

"Thank you for your support and shares I won't be answering messages please allow us some time as a family to digest this terrible news."

Friend of the group, Billys Charlotte, wrote: "Forever young god has gained another 3 Angels please keep all family & friends in your prayers through this hard time god bless RIP Eve, Darcy and Rafel."

Rafel's friend Nicola Blackmore described him as a "lovely kid".

Specialist officers are supporting the families of those involved and inquiries are ongoing. In a tweet, Gwent Police said: "If you can help call us on 101, or send us a direct message, quoting 2300071791.

"The case has been referred to the IOPC in line with normal procedures."

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