Bridgend mourns the loss of another young life. We just keep on asking why

Apr 21 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

A TEENAGE supermarket worker was yesterday found hanged in Bridgend.

The 19-year-old, named locally as Sean Rees, was described by friends as “happy-go-lucky and always smiling”.

But he was found hanged by his family in a lane in Bettws, near Bridgend, at 7.30am yesterday.

Mr Rees, who worked at the Sainsbury’s supermarket in Sarn, went missing during a night out with friends in the town.

Family friend Christopher Michaelides, a Bridgend council Labour councillor for Bettws, said: “This is so tragic but I cannot work out why this happened. He had everything to live for and was always so cheerful.

“He had just passed his driving test, had a decent job working in Sainsbury’s and was a very popular young man.

“But yet again here in Bridgend we are mourning the loss of another young life. We just keep on asking why.”

Mr Rees was found in a lane at the rear of a friend’s house on the Bettws estate. It is understood he had row with friends before he disappeared.

His death follows a series of tragic hangings in the area, all involving young people.

Mr Michaelides, added: “We keep on asking why these young people are dying but we are not getting any answers.

“I would like to see everyone involved from family and friends to police and the authorities really working together to see if there is a connection.

“Maybe we will find out there is no link but more needs to be done to stop any more of these tragic losses of young lives.

“This is a young man who went out for a drink with friends on a Saturday night like many other young people, yet he is dead by Sunday morning. What is going on?”

Mr Rees’ parents Tracey and Byron Rees were yesterday being comforted at their home. The couple, who have two other children, were described as “devastated”.

Mr Rees had a girlfriend Charlotte Richards, 19, who yesterday left a bouquet of flowers at the spot where he died.

She wrote: “Going to miss you loads. Love you always, Charlotte XXX.”

One tribute read: “Sean – can’t believe what has happened. I will never forget you. You will always be in my thoughts. RIP Kelly.”

And another read: “You never failed to make us smile ... until today. Rest in Peace.”

A tribute was left by Mr Rees’ co-workers, which simply said: “From all at Sainsbury’s”.

He was a member of the social networking site Bebo. Writing on his internet profile page, he said: “I live for the nights I will never remember with the friends I will never forget.”

Friend Emma Bullock, 19, said: “Sean was always really happy, always smiling. I’m really shocked – he wasn’t the sort of person who would do this.

“He had loads and friends and was really popular. Everyone is in complete shock because we just can’t believe Sean is gone.”

Mr Rees left Ynysawdre Comprehensive School after completing his A-levels. He had started a part-time job in Sainsbury's but was hoping to go to college later this year.

South Wales Police yesterday launched an investigation into Mr Rees’ death and will compile a report for Bridgend coroner Philip Walters, who has already called for a national suicide strategy to be drawn up. Eighteen other young people have been found hanged in the Bridgend area since January 2007.

Madeleine Moon, MP for Bridgend and a Parliamentary champion for the Samaritans, said: “This is another tragedy for a family and another life cut off – his whole potential has been wasted and left unknown.

“There is a desperate need for an increased focus on prevention and improved primary mental health care for all children and young people.

“The funding for this has to come from the Assembly Government and urgently.”

A police statement said: “South Wales Police can confirm the sudden death of a 19-year-old man in the Bettws area of Bridgend at about 7.30am on Sunday.

“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and an investigation is under way.”

The Samaritans can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90