Tributes have been paid to a man whose body was found in the River Tawe on Christmas Day after a car entered the water. The bodies of Jay Kyle Jenkins and Rachel Curtis, both 36, were found after emergency services received reports of a vehicle entering the river at Swansea in the early hours of December 25.
Police issued the family tribute to Jay on Thursday, December 29, a day after the tribute to Rachel. Their bodies were found nearby after emergency services were called at around 3.05am on Christmas Day following reports that a car had gone into the River Tawe at New Cut Road. A black Mini John Cooper Works was fully submerged in the river.
Rachel's family, of Bonymaen, had paid tribute to her, saying she was a "funny, intelligent and unique person," who will be missed by "everyone who knew her, especially her 14 year old son. “ You can read the full tribute to Rachel here.
Read more: Two bodies recovered from river in Swansea after car ends up in the water
The family of Jay Kyle Jenkins, of St Thomas, have now also released a tribute. Released through police his family described him as “our beautiful, kind boy”. They added: “Jay was a kind, genuine soul who was always helping other people. The local community are devastated.” They also shared that Jay worked as an electrician and was a friend of Rachel’s since their school days.
Jay's cousin Gemma Mort also added her own tribute. She said: "Jay, my heart is broken. You were my cousin but more like my friend and counsellor, you always used to give me sound advice and if you didn't know something which was very rare you would research it. You were so intelligent, you used to mesmerize me with all the knowledge and stuff you knew.
"You always had so much time and patience for everyone. You loved the simple things in life. Always knew we could rely on you, such a calm, loving guy. Have so many memories of us growing up and now. The thought I am never going to see you again is unbearable. Until we meet again cuz."
Jay's boss John Brain and his wife Sarah Brain also shared a tribute to Jay on social media. Sharing a tribute Sarah said: "This is Jay who sadly died on Christmas morning in the most tragic way. Life can be so cruel sometimes. Jay has stood by my husband's side for the last 6 years. Been his best friend, colleague, side kick, someone he can confide in.
"Never asked anything from anyone. Quiet, funny, unassuming, clever, kind, hardworking, reliable, major lover of all animals (the only time his reliability faltered )...and just one of life's good people, who always put everyone around him first. Our boys loved Jaybot, and telling them yesterday was so painful. Arlo asked could it be a different Jay.
As the cliche goes "you don't realise what you have until it's gone" and there is no truer time to say that than now. John is definitely feeling this one. You don't always have to stand out in a crowd to be noticed Jay. You've made a massive impact on everyone's lives you've met. You won't be forgotten."
A large crane was used to pull the wreckage of a car from the river near the junction of the A483 and New Cut Road in Swansea on Christmas Day. A police cordon remained in place for much of the day as the recovery took place. South Wales Police said it was carrying out investigations to ascertain what caused the crash
Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the car go into the river, or who has CCTV or dash cam footage that may have captured the incident, to contact them by one of the following means quoting occurrence number 2200429694. They also wish to speak to anyone who may have seen or spoken to either Rachel or Jay prior to the incident to come forward.
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