A Cardiff school has paid tribute to former pupil Rafel Jeanne, who died in a fatal car accident in Cardiff this weekend. In a statement from Ysgol Glantaf, Rafel was described as a "joyful pupil, full of life and energy at school, popular within his year group and a very sincere friend."
Rafel, 24, was one of three victims of the crash which happened near the A48 in Cardiff over the weekend. Eve Smith and Darcy Ross, both 21 and from Newport were also killed in the collision near St Mellons. Another young man and woman who were in the car – Shane Loughlin, 32, from Cardiff, and Sophie Russon, 20, from Newport – are in a critical condition in hospital.
The statement from Ysgol Glantaf described Rafel as "well-respected among his classmates" and a "starring" member of the rugby team. The statement described Rafel as having a "warm smile" which attracted people to him.
Read more: Hundreds attend poignant and powerful vigil for three people killed in A48 crash
The full tribute said: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the loss of one of our dear, former pupils Rafel Jeanne, who was cruelly and unexpectedly taken this week. Rafel was a joyful pupil, full of life and energy at school, popular within his year group and a very sincere friend who was well respected among his classmates.
"He contributed regularly to school activities, starring as a member of rugby teams, at the National Stadium winning the Welsh Cup in 2013 and travelling with the school's 7-a-side squad to compete in the Rosslyn Park finals in 2012. His energetic, enthusiastic approach and warm smile attracted people to him and marked his character.
"Rafel was a popular and happy pupil, keen to support others, indeed seeing his development during his time at school was proof of his maturity and consistent effort within the school community. We send our sincere condolences to Rafel’s family and friends throughout the city and beyond, as we dearly remember a joyful and dear pupil whom we are delighted and proud to know as a member of teulu Glantaf."
A vigil was held near the crash-site to honour those who lost their lives on Tuesday night. Police closed the road for the vigil which saw a two-minute silence at 6.28pm followed by a balloon release and a firework display that lasted for around 30 minutes. People were tearful and embraced each other as they stood transfixed by the stunning send-off.
Speaking at the vigil, Rafel's sister, Ffion Actie, described how she felt "heatbroken" and "numb" following his death. Ms Actie said: "I just feel heartbroken – I feel numb to be honest. I don't feel a lot at all. It doesn't feel real. I don't feel like this has actually happened, and maybe with time I'll come to terms with it, but I'm absolutely heartbroken."
Asked what Rafel was like she commended him as a "big character" who was "happy, loving, bubbly, and very, very popular". She also revealed that, tragically, she found out about her brother's death through social media.
She added that the "hardest thing" about the tragedy was the fact the five of them remained undiscovered for two days until they were found just after midnight on Monday in a wooded area just off the busy road. "That is probably the worst part about it – thinking that they were sat there injured. If it was sooner who knows?" She also said she feels "disappointed that maybe things weren't done sooner" and believes that police "should have acted straightaway".
Well-wishers were also given colourful smoke flares during the display and at the very end some rode motorbikes and quadbikes through the crowds, revving loudly in tribute to Eve, Darcy and Rafel.
Friends Sophie, Eve, and Darcy had been on a night out at the Muffler bar and club in Maeglas, Newport, on Friday evening before they are thought to have headed to Trecco Bay in Porthcawl. They were with Shane and Rafel and the five had last been seen in the Llanedeyrn area of Cardiff at 2am on Saturday.
But it was just after midnight on Monday that police officers arrived at the scene where the car had crashed off a roundabout on the A48. Over the weekend friends and family had mounted searches for the five as they became increasingly concerned at what they described as out-of-character behaviour. They say there had been no activity on social media and they had not contacted any friends or family since the early hours of Saturday morning.
Read next:
