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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Rhodri Harrison

Young homeless dad, 23, passes away leaving a six-year-old son

A mother has made an emotional tribute to her 23-year-old son who passed away after his own battles with mental health describing him as "a beautiful soul".

Ethan Wheeler, from Swansea, passed away suddenly January 11 - a day after being made homeless, with his family arguing "the system failed him".

His family are now trying to live on in his name and memory by supporting his six-year-old son and raise awareness for people with mental health to "reach out" and talk when they are most vulnerable.

Read more: Family's tribute to 'princess' 18-year-old daughter killed in Swansea car crash

A fundraiser is currently underway to help support Ethan's family during this difficult time, aimed at covering funeral expenses and establishing a trust fund for his little six-year-old boy, Codie, who recently had his birthday. You can donate to it by clicking here.

His mother, Dawn Wheeler made an emotional heartfelt tribute to her son describing him as "my beautiful boy".

"He had such an amazing outlook on life, he always wanted to help people and spoke about wanting to open a dog sanctuary and help people.

"He was a funny, kind and generous man.

"We're all in shock, his friends and family can't find the words. He was a beautiful man and soul who celebrated life to the full, an adventurer who travelled far and wide at a young age, you couldn't stop him.

"We held a tribute to him on the beach - one of his favourite places alongside the woodland, there were fire performers and a candle display which was a fitting tribute to who he was as a person, he touched so many people all across the country" she said.

(Cerise Wheeler)

Describing him as a passionate poet and cook, his mother says his creativity held no limits and would be missed by his large family, describing him as a "family man" to his nieces.

The family has said they want to take over the role of Ethan as a father and support Codie for the future, making sure "Codie is never in a situation to what Ethan went through".

"Codie was his world, its devastating that they didn't have more time together and showed him a different life - one away from indoors and in front of the Television, they went on mini adventures"

Ethan was made homeless on January 10 and found difficulty finding supportive accommodation that would allow him to bring his "adored" dog named Anubis.

In his memory, his family are hoping to create an animal sanctuary for dogs and a safe space for people to find comfort and have an open conversation.

"My son was failed by the system, he wasn't offered the right care he needed when he was vulnerable and we want to raise awareness.

"There's going to be someone out there that cares for you, please if anyone has their own issues, speak to someone."

His mother added that their family wouldn't be the same and would be missed by his two brothers and four sisters.

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