Two teenagers who died after their motorbike was hit by a BMW have been named and pictured for the first time.
Jaydon Bowyer, 19, and his 16-year-old friend Ta-Shay Canoville were killed earlier this week near a roundabout in Newport, Wales, in a suspected hit-and-run.
The pair were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics on Aberthaw Road after the crash at around 1.30am. The BMW is believed to have fled the scene before police arrived.
An 18-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were later arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Jaydon’s mother and girlfriend have both shared emotional tributes online, while Ta-Shay’s father, Carl, posted a picture of his son alongside four broken heart emojis.
A Gofundme set up for them both with a £16,000 target for funeral costs has so far raised more than £10,000.
Jaydon’s mother, Sophie Pederson, said she was ‘struggling to process the loss of you, my first born, my whole world, my absolute everything’.
She said: ‘My boy, my darling darling boy. Why just why. How do I live without you here by my side.
Ta-Shay Canoville, 16, (pictured) was killed earlier this week alongside his friend Jaydon Bowyer, 19, when their motorbike was hit by a BMW in Newport, Wales
Jaydon was described by his girlfriend as having the ‘purest heart’ while his mother said she is ‘struggling to process the loss of you’
‘You were the best boy ever. Everyone adored you. Love you millions always and forever, your broken-hearted mum.’
Writing on Facebook alongside a montage of photos of the two together, Jaydon’s hairdresser girlfriend Rachael Stephenson said she ‘never imagined I would see this day having to live in a world without you in it’.
‘It still doesn’t feel real, you were more to me than just a boyfriend,’ she said.
‘You were my happiness and the person who made my darkest days feel light again. The pain of losing you so suddenly is something words could never fully explain. We were meant to be till death do us part, with a happy family together like we talked about for hours.
‘We were meant to make so many more memories together, you were taken from us before your time came. I wish I could have one more hug and to hear you laugh and see your smile one more time and to have one more moment with you.
‘No matter how much time passes, I’ll carry your love and your memory with me every single day. You was deeply loved by everyone and you will be missed more than anyone could ever imagine, and I’m so blessed that I got to have you in my life, especially for as long as I did.
‘You had the purest heart. I’ll love you forever, my gorgeous boy. Rest in peace, my beautiful angel, until we meet again.’
Earlier this week, hundreds of people gathered to release white and blue balloons and let off blue flares in memory of Jaydon and Ta-Shay.
A fireworks display was held in the evening of the same day.
Carl’s Sunday league team, Odsal Rangers, today held a minute’s silence before kick-off and wore black armbands in tribute to Ta-Shay.
The team wrote on its Facebook page on Saturday: ‘When me and Callum started this club, the most important thing for us was to build a family. Even though we are only at the beginning of this journey, we stand together as one and will support Carl in every way we can through these incredibly difficult times.
Emergency services at the scene after Aberthaw Road was closed by Gwent Police at around 1am on Thursday, May 7
An 18-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were later arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
Hundreds of people gathered to release white and blue balloons and let off blue flares in memory of Jaydon and Ta-Shay
‘Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Carl, his family and everyone affected.’
Newport councillor Alex Pimm said details of the incident remained under investigation.
‘Rumours are circulating on social media about what has happened and I urge people to refrain from speculation, to allow the authorities to carry out a full and thorough investigation.
‘Two young lads have lost their lives, and my condolences are with their family and friends at this extremely sad and difficult time,’ he said.
Anyone with information, including CCTV and dashcam footage between midnight and 1.40am on May 7, is asked to contact Gwent Police.
