The devastating loss of 21-year-old Eve Smith, one of the three victims of a fatal car crash in Cardiff, has left her father, Everton Smith, struggling to come to terms with the unbearable tragedy. As he spoke publicly for the first time, Everton expressed his anguish, saying that nothing will be the same after his daughter’s death. Eve, along with her friends Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, lost their lives in the collision that occurred on the A48(M) near St Mellons area of Cardiff in the early hours of March 4th.
The other two passengers, Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, who were also in the white Volkswagen Tiguan, remain in critical condition in hospital. Everton’s words were filled with pain and longing, as he described his daughter as “everything a father could wish for”. He acknowledged that his life would never be the same, saying “it’s going to change my life, I don’t know how much it will”.
Everton, who had previously lost his 19-year-old daughter Xana Doyle in a car crash eight years ago, is now reliving a similar tragedy. The driver of the vehicle that caused Xana’s death was twice the legal drink-drive limit, and Everton’s experiences have left him feeling like he is experiencing déjà vu. “This is like nothing anyone could expect to go through, it’s like déjà vu,” he said, indicating the similarities between the two tragic events.
The floral tributes left for Eve, which were a testament to her popularity and special nature, brought a sense of comfort to Everton, who expressed his gratitude to the people who had come forward to pay their respects. He said that it meant a lot to him and his family, as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.
21-year-old Eve Smith (Via 21-year-old Eve Smith/Twitter)
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with South Wales Police working to “piece together” exactly what happened. The force has set up a family liaison team to support the families of the victims, including Everton Smith, who must be going through an unimaginable time. The incident has also led to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the actions of South Wales Police and Gwent Police during the search for the missing group, which was not found until just after midnight on Monday, March 6.
As the families of the victims, including Everton Smith, navigate the process of grieving, they are left to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy. Everton’s words, filled with pain and longing, highlight the devastating impact of the crash on those who were closest to the victims. The incident has not only taken the lives of three young people, but has also left a trail of devastation and heartbreak for their families and loved ones.
