Council has minute of pause to remember teenagers found dead

Shropshire Council had a minute of pause to remember four teenagers who were found dead on Tuesday.

The bodies of Shrewsbury students Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris were found in a car in Snowdonia, North Wales, on Tuesday.

Concern for the teenagers began after they failed to return from an overnight camping trip and a search was launched.

North Wales Police said that the bodies were found inside an overturned car that was partially submerged in water.

The teenagers were A-Level students at the Shrewsbury Colleges Group.

Ahead of the Shropshire Council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday leader Lezley Picton led a minute of pause to remember the boys.

She said: “Before we start today’s cabinet meeting, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the friends and families of the four teenagers from Shrewsbury who were found dead yesterday in North Wales.

“I am sure that I speak for everyone from the council and the county in expressing our thoughts and prayers to their families and friends following this heartbreaking tragedy.

“The community in Shropshire is strong and I know that people right across the county will feel great sadness and that they are rallying together to show their support.

“Specialist teams from our education service are offering their support to the communities around Shrewsbury Colleges and Meole Brace Secondary School as many people will be affected by this tragedy.

“I would also like to thank the emergency services for their work in such difficult circumstances, not just in North Wales but those who had to deliver the heartbreaking news.

“I ask that we pause for a minute to remember Jevon, Harvey, Wilf and Hugo, and allow those close to them the privacy to grieve in peace.”

Telford & Wrekin Council also posted a message sending their ‘sincere condolences’ on social media.

They said: “We are sending our thoughts and sincere condolences to the families and friends of Jevon, Harvey, Wilf and Hugo following the heartbreaking news that they have lost their lives in a tragic accident.”