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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Thomas Lewis & Branwen Jones

Gifted footballer dies in crash on Welsh road just aged 19

Tributes have been pouring in for a teenager who died following a crash on the A4085 road in Gwynedd on Friday night. 19-year-old Joshua Lloyd Roberts from Caernarfon died following the incident between Peblig Industrial Estate and Caeathro.

North Wales Live reported that the teenager's death has rocked the local community in Caernarfon and further afield, with Josh a well-known football fan and also a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Tributes to Mr Roberts have been shared on social media over the weekend, with friends describing him as a "popular lad" and a "gifted footballer."

Josh was a keen supporter of Caernarfon Town FC and of the Wales national team. He had previously played for his home town club as well as Bontnewydd FC and Cardiff Met FC. Noel Mooney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, has also paid tribute to the young supporter on behalf of the association. He said on his Twitter account: "Very sorry to hear of Josh's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

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He added that the association will mark Mr Roberts' death during Wales' next match with Armenia, which will take place on Friday, June 16. It is thought that there will be a minute's applause during the 19th minute of the game.

Josh was also known as one of the 'Cofi Army' and had supported Caernarfon Football Club from a very young age. In a statement on Twitter the Caernarfon Town FC fan account @CofiArmy said: "Awful news, one of our young supporters was tragically taken from us last night, one of the Cofi Youths for years and a staunch supporter of his hometown, can’t even imagine the pain his parents are going through, thoughts with the family. R.I.P Josh."

Cardiff Met FC also said on Twitter: "As a club we were devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Josh Roberts who was part of our BUCS squad last season. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family at this difficult time."

Former Caernarfon Town player Nathan Craig added: "I can't believe it. Rest in peace mate." Cardiff's Welsh society for university students, Y Gym Gym, has also shared their tribute to Josh. In a post shared on Facebook, a spokesperson for the society wrote: "Josh was a friend to everyone, loved and extremely loyal, he always managed to raise a smile and an interesting conversation.

"There will be a huge loss after him in Y GymGym, in Cardiff and within his community in Caernarfon. At times like this we can see and appreciate Y GymGym as a close and strong community, look after each other as we try to come to terms with this devastating news.

"Y GymGym would like to extend their love to Josh's family and friends, thanking him for his company over the past two years. We intend to hold a day to celebrate his life over the next few weeks. Thank you Josh for the fun, your energy and your special character! You really are a star!"

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