TRIBUTES have been paid to teenagers who went camping in Eryri and were later found dead in an overturned car that found was partially submerged in water.

The bodies of Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris were tragically found in in their silver Ford Fiesta on Tuesday, November 21. One was 16, two were aged 17 and one was 18-years-old.

On Wednesday, November 22, officers and colleagues from the North West Underwater Search Team conducted a thorough search of an irrigation ditch just off the A4085. 

Superintendent Owain Llewelyn, of North Wales Police, said there is an ongoing inquiry to formally identify those in the vehicle and to understand what has led to this tragic incident. 

Despite the boys being from Shrewsbury, the sad discovery has rocked communities in North Wales.

Many took to our book of condolences to leave tributes for the teenagers.

Jess Solomon, of Rhyl, wrote: "Our most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these four youngsters."

Angela Clayton, of Colwyn Bay, said: "I didn't know these guys but their deaths have shocked us all. I prayed they would be alive and it wasn't the outcome the families wanted. The families are in my thoughts and prayers."

Christine Maresma Pares, of Rhyl, said: "I was broken hearted for the families and friends of the four young boys when I heard the tragic news of their passing. This has affected me greatly, though I know it's nothing compared to how the families feel.  

"For sure everyone feels the boys have gone far too soon, and the reason why won't be revealed until they are joined in heaven with their family members.

"I remember a minister once saying 'heaven would be a very dull place if it were filled with old fogies', though I know that's not much consolation just now.

"We can only be glad they were living life independently, to the full, and that they were together.

"R.I.P. Jevon, Harvey, Wilf and Hugo."

St Grwst Church, a Grade I listed parish church in Llanrwst, posted on social media late Tuesday afternoon: "Such sad news coming from Porthmadog. Just leaving four candles burning in St Grwst's Church this evening."

Speaking outside North Wales Police HQ in St Asaph just after 4.30pm on Tuesday, Sup Llewelyn said: "Shortly after 3pm on the afternoon of Monday, November 20, North Wales Police received reports of four missing young males from the Shrewsbury area. It is believed that they travelled to Harlech on Saturday 18 with plans to camp in the Eryri area on Sunday. 

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"A large search was undertaken overnight and that continued into this morning. Shortly after 10am this morning a member of the public contacted us reporting a vehicle having left the road between Beddgelert and Llanfrothen.

"Police officers attended and located a Ford Fiesta vehicle upside down, partially submerged in water. 

"Tragically the bodies of four young males were recovered from within the vehicle.

"The families of the missing men have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this desperate time.

"Whilst the search is concluded, there is an ongoing inquiry to formally identify those in the vehicle and to understand what has led to this tragic incident. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank members of the emergency services, volunteers from the search and rescue agencies and members of the public who have supported us with this search. 

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"We would finally ask that the families are afforded privacy at this desperate time."

The young men were students at the Shrewsbury Colleges Group and were studying A-levels with the college.

Crystal Owen, Harvey’s mother, said: “I feel like I’m in a nightmare I wish I could wake up from but I’m not.

“I just wanted to say I do appreciate people’s kindness but no amount of messages is going to help me overcome this. Nothing will make this nightmare go away.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent his condolences to the families, telling the Commons: “I know the thoughts of the whole House will be with the family and friends of the four teenagers who died in a car accident in North Wales.”