Mourners gather for 'city's hero'

Lavern Ritch was voted among Britain's 50 most eligible bachelors

Around 1,000 people gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of a fitness instructor stabbed to death on holiday in America.

Lavern Ritch, 37, from Penarth, had been visiting friends in Margate, New Jersey, when he was killed by a single stab wound to the heart.

At the service at Llandaff Cathedral, friend Helen Veysey described Mr Ritch as "Cardiff's hero, a good Samaritan".

It is thought Mr Ritch went to help the victim of a fight. A man has been charged with aggravated manslaughter.

Eight pallbearers carried his large silver-grey coffin into the cathedral for the service which opened with family member Deborah Morgan-Lewis singing Ave Maria.

Ms Veysey, a friend of 16 years, told mourners the Welsh capital's heart had been broken by Mr Ritch's death.

She added: "We can only say goodnight, Lavern, because Cardiff will never say goodbye."

You don't need a minute's silence, you need a standing ovation Simon Harris, friend

Simon Harris, another close friend, said: "They broke the mould when they made Lavern.

"He was an amazing guy and lived life to the max, giving 100% to everything he did in life - something we should all aspire to."

Mr Harris explained the vital role his friend had in his family, especially on Sundays when they met for his mother's curry.

Llandaff Cathedral was full half-an-hour before the service began

His friend's gift had been being able to connect with anybody, he said, adding: "Obviously, he connected with the ladies a bit better than most of us."

Mr Ritch was voted one of Britain's 50 most eligible bachelors by Company magazine and was included in the Wales on Sunday newspaper's list of eligible bachelors.

He appeared on the ITV programme Gladiators in 1998 and Mr Harris recalled how he had been upset when he was injured on the show.

Mourners smiled as Mr Harris reminded them of Mr Ritch's booming voice and big appetite.

He said: "It speaks volumes that so many are gathered here today in your honour. You don't need a minute's silence, you need a standing ovation."

A private burial followed the service at Llandaff Cathedral

The service, which closed with Mrs Morgan-Lewis singing Panis Angelicus, was followed by a private burial.

Mr Ritch was popular and well known across the city where he had taught swimming and tennis to hundreds of children in Maindy, Pentwyn and Fairwater.

An inquest was opened in Cardiff last Friday and adjourned until US authorities complete their inquiries.

'Altercation'

The hearing at Cardiff central police station was told Mr Ritch - who had visited friends in New Jersey every year for the last six years - had flown out to the US on 24 July.

He had been staying in the Cherry Hill area and spent the night of Saturday 11 August at restaurants and clubs in Margate, a fairly affluent resort on an island a few miles from Atlantic City.

South Wales Police Det Chief Inspector Paul Hurley said after a meal with friends, Mr Ritch saw a fight and went to help someone.

He died of a single stab wound to the chest.

Last Thursday, Robert Davies, 46, appeared in court in relation to Mr Ritch's killing.