A 19-year-old football player who was once an Academy player for Bristol Rovers is still in critical condition after a crash on December 11 that claimed the lives of three youths. In Coedely, Tonyrefail, Wales, at the time of the occurrence, Lucas Vaughan was a passenger.

The bus and car collided on Elwyn Street, killing Jesse Owen, 18, of Tonypandy, Morgan Smith, 18, of Tonypandy, and Callum Griffiths, 19, of Porth, according to Wales Online. At Gilfach Goch’s Hendreforgan Playground and in the vicinity of the collision, three young guys have received heartfelt condolences.

According to South Wales Police, their thoughts are with the people impacted by the “tragic incident.” They said that their families were currently receiving support from family liaison officers who had received training during this “very difficult time.”

Bristol Rovers Academy paid homage on X, the former Twitter. “After a serious road traffic collision, our thoughts are with Lucas Vaughan, a former academy player, and his family,” the statement read. Lucas’s mother Claire and the staff are in continual contact, and we are doing everything in our power to help the family during this incredibly trying time.”

“On the eve of Monday, December 11, Lydney Town player Lucas Vaughan was involved in a serious car accident which sadly resulted in three people losing their lives,” the Lydney Town AFC, Lucas’ current team, stated in a statement. Lucas was brought to Cardiff University Hospital with potentially fatal injuries, where he is still unconscious.

“Lucas, at just eighteen, has been a shining light at our club since joining us, first on loan and then permanently after leaving Bristol Rovers [Academy] in the summer. He is an exceptionally good football player but more than that, he is a top-notch kid with a great demeanour and zeal for life. We all offer him and his wonderful family our sincere prayers during this very trying time.

“We appreciate the cooperation of Brimscombe & Thrupp and the Hellenic League in rescheduling the original fixture for the evening of the 12th. You’re on everyone’s minds, buddy.”

Lucas is one of the two people who are still in serious condition and is being treated at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. To support the football player from Tonyrefail who plays for Lydney Town AFC and his family, a GoFundMe page has been created. As of Sunday morning, December 17, over £5,880 had been raised thanks to the fundraising.

Lucas has been a member of Rainbow Valley Productions and Fame Factory Theatre School, two local organisations, that have already joined forces to support the fundraising efforts. Lucas and his family are a “huge part” of Fame Factory Theatre School, the school said in a Facebook post.

“We have always been so proud of him and we hold him in our hearts,” they continued, having watched him grow from a boy to a man. In the meantime, Lucas was hailed by Rainbow Valley Productions as “a great young man with a promising career in football.”

Lucas is a “hard working talented footballer,” according to family friend Lisa Martin, who also said, “He is the most kindest, loving, family-oriented young man who would do anything for anyone.”

The money raised will be used to assist Lucas over the coming months as he recovers. They now want to raise £7,000.

The GoFundMe page was accompanied by a post that states: “As many of you are aware, there was a terrible accident.” Lucas has injuries that could change his life and is in critical care at the Heath hospital. He will remain in the hospital till the new year at the latest once he recovers from this. months of physiotherapy, hospital visits, and all of his other appointments at the fracture clinic, etc.

“He needs someone at home to take care of him and support him during the upcoming months. Lucas is a gifted football player who works extremely hard.

“He is a very caring, family-oriented, and compassionate young guy who is willing to go above and beyond for everyone. I’m putting this up in an attempt to ease some of the financial strain on Lucas’s family, who will now need to spend the majority of their time by his bedside in the hospital. Please share; any donations would be greatly appreciated.

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