Sole survivor of Staffordshire crash pays emotional tribute to three 'amazing' friends

Sky News

Updated 4 June 2024 at 7:24 am·2-min read

The survivor of a crash in which three teenagers died has paid tribute to her friends.

Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, 18, and 17-year-old Morgan Jones from Wrexham, died in the crash in Staffordshire on 25 May.

Sophie Bates, 17, from Stafford, was taken to hospital where she later died.

Brooke Varley, 17, from Newport in Shropshire, was a backseat passenger in the Ford Ka during the collision on Cannock Road, Penkridge.

Brooke was taken to hospital but has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

In an emotional statement, she said she "wanted to write a tribute" to her friends.

"I am so upset to have lost such amazing people from my life," she said.

"Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest. She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn't get a chance to do. She will forever be in my heart."

'Kind soul'

Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones and Morgan Jones both played rugby for Wrexham RFC's youth team.

Brooke said Morgan was "one of the funniest people" she knew. His family said he was a "very popular young man" who "was loved by everybody".

"He was always respectful, kind and sweet. He always looked out for me," Brooke added.

Dafydd was described by his family as "the kindest loving soul you could wish to meet".

"Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends," Brooke said.

"I'm thinking of their families at this sad time and everyone who is affected by this tragic incident."

The family of Sophie Bates described her as "full of fun and beyond witty".

Staffordshire Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to get in touch.