Eve Smith's heartbroken dad has shared a tribute to his 21-year-old daughter who was tragically killed in a car crash in Cardiff on the weekend. Eve died alongside childhood friend Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, after the car they were travelling in left the A48 in St Mellons.
Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughin, 32, are in a critical condition in hospital after they were discovered in the car in the early hours of Monday morning. They were last seen in the early hours of Saturday morning and several missing persons reports were made to police on Saturday through to Sunday.
Eve's father, Everton Smith, shared a heart-breaking tribute to his daughter, adding that it has taken a "couple of days" to believe what has happened. Sharing photos of his daughter to Facebook, Everton said: "It’s taken a couple of days and I just can’t believe what has happened, the pain and numbness constantly reminding me that I will never see my beautiful daughter Eve again. I would give anything to hear her sing a song again, fly high my queen, I loved you more than words can say and will cherish the 21 years I had with you bossing my life! My family & I would appreciate time to grieve and morn."
ITV news reported that Eve Smith's family have asked for the police to be given "time and space" to investigate the incident. ITV news reported the statement said: "We request that our privacy is respected and we are allowed to grieve in peace. Please note we are not going to speak to the media for the foreseeable future. Please do not try to contact our family and friends either in person or via social media.
"We want to allow Gwent Police and South Wales Police the time and space to investigate the matter in a thorough and professional way and to enable the Independent Office for Police Conduct thereafter to come to their own conclusions."
Ms Smith’s death comes eight years after her sister Xana Doyle, 19, was killed in a car crash. The driver was twice the drink-drive limit and prosecuted. Ms Smith took part in a Sky TV documentary with her other siblings, mum Emma and stepdad Tony Borg about the incident and campaigned for tougher sentences.
A vigil was held near the crash site to honour those who lost their lives on Tuesday night. Police closed the road for the vigil which saw a two-minute silence at 6.28pm followed by a balloon release and a firework display that lasted for around 30 minutes. People were tearful and embraced each other as they stood transfixed by the stunning send-off.
Well-wishers were also given colourful smoke flares during the display and at the very end some rode motorbikes and quadbikes through the crowds, revving loudly in tribute to Eve, Darcy and Rafel.
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