Floral tributes to four teenage boys who died in a camping trip car crash were laid on the steps of the college they attended today (Wed).
Chalk messages adorned the entrance to Shrewsbury College – with one simply saying: “Rest in peace lovely’s [sic].”
Jevon Hirst, 16, Harvey Owen, 17, Wilf Fitchett, 17 and Hugo Morris, 18, were killed after travelling to North Wales.
The friends had planned to camp in the national park on Sunday before returning home on Monday morning.
Their bodies were found inside a Ford Fiesta which was upside down and submerged in water on Tuesday (21/11) near the village of Garreg.
Today (Wed) heartbroken friends of the boys, who all attended the college, paid emotional tributes to them.
Classmate Molly Clarkson said she knew all the boys and had first met Jevon at primary school.
She said: "Wilf sits in my English class and today the teacher was crying.
"There is an undisputed sadness. They were all best friends."
One card on a floral tribute said: “The Four Musketeers. How much we will miss you all.”
Another card simply read: “We love you all. Fly with the angels you beautiful boys.”
One student wrote a letter which they lay on the steps. It read: “I did not know you for long Jev, but I know that you were loved and cared for by the people around you.
“That love and care was a reflection of the local and care you showed to others.
“May you rest in peace and be remembered with kindness and love. Rest in peace Jev, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
Shrewsbury Abbey in the town opened for students to light candles in the church for the victims.
Church administrator Steve Swindon said: "What they are experiencing is hard to contemplate. It doesn't matter if you have a faith, it is about humanity.
"We are here for everybody. Shrewsbury is a strong community."
Local vicar Reverend Charlotte Gompertz said the tragic news had been “utterly devastating” to the whole community.
She added: "It's impacting everyone, this is a tight-knit community where many of the young people have been at school together since they were four years old.
"It is going to take a long time for us to get our heads even vaguely around this tragedy."
Shrewsbury's planned Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping have been postponed as a sign of respect.
Resident Arthur Reece, 50, said: "I think it is fair to say that Christmas will be cancelled for lots of people in the town this year.
"We are a close-knit community and are grieving hard with those poor families who have lost their sons."
Superintendent Stu Bill, of West Mercia Police, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of the four teenagers who sadly died.
“We know many people in Shrewsbury will be affected by their deaths and will continue to support the local community.
“North Wales Police’s investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the car leaving the road continues and we have family liaison officers working with our colleagues at North Wales Police to support the families of the boys who died.”
