Double tragedy

May 8 2008 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

Valley man found hanging: Tributes to young dad-to-be

TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man found hanging on Sunday night.

Christopher Jones, of Blandy Terrace, Nantymoel, was found at 11.05pm last Sunday and died the following day at the Princess of Wales Hospital.

The 23-year-old, who was known as Whiskers, grew up in Nantymoel and was the son of Alun and Cheryl Jones.Christopher was due to be a father as his girlfriend Rhian is seven months pregnant.

“He was born in Nantymoel and he was a very ordinary, lovely boy from a lovely family,” said Mary Hughes, who lives in the village.

The former Ogmore Comprehensive School pupil worked with his father in the family car repair business.

Tina Walters, who also lives in Nantymoel, said the whole community is shattered.

“He has come from a lovely family. He didn’t want for anything at all. He was a lovely, lovely boy and we are all shattered. This is the second one this year,” she said.

An inquest into Christopher’s death will open tomorrow.

He died just three months after Angeline Fuller was found dead in her home on Commercial Street, Nantymoel. The 18-year-old was found hanging on February 4. Christopher is the 19th borough youngster found hanging since January last year. Newly elected borough councillor for Nantymoel David school with Jones went to primary Christopher and knows his family well.

The 23-year-old councillor, of Station Road, Nantymoel, said: “This is very sad news indeed.

“I know I speak for the community when I say everyone's thoughts are with the family and I trust they will be allowed time and space to grieve.”

A police spokeswoman said Christopher’s death is not being linked to other sudden deaths in the borough.

She said: “South Wales Police can confirm we were called to an address in the Nantymoel area at around 11.05pm on Sunday where a 23-year-old man had attempted to harm himself. He was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, where he died on Monday.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and an investigation is being carried out on behalf of the coroner. This does not appear to be linked to any other sudden deaths in Bridgend.”

Bridgend Chief Inspector Simon Belcher said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased who have suffered a devastating loss. The family do not want to make any statement and are asking the media not to contact them but to respect their privacy and allow them time to grieve in peace.”

The Gazette has respected this request.