Families' tributes to crash girls

Jade 'loved life' and was 'always smiling'

The families of two teenage girls killed in a crash in heavy rain on a valleys road have paid tribute to their "beautiful" and "precious" daughters.

Rhiannon Davies, 18, and Jade Emanuel, 17, died minutes after setting out on a Saturday afternoon shopping trip.

Jade's parents and stepfather said she was "our precious girl. Be strong, hold Rhiannon's hand. Take care".

Rhiannon parents said she was "beautiful, popular and caring" and "touched the heart of everyone".

They added: "Goodnight and God bless, friends together Rhi and Jade."

Rhiannon, from Treherbert, was a former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun y Cymmer. She was studying a BTec in Care at Coleg Morgannwg, Rhydyfelin.

It is thought she lost control of her blue MG Rover ZR on the A465 between Hirwaun and Merthyr around 1350 GMT on Saturday afternoon.

Rhiannon was 'beautiful, popular and caring'

It is understood she had been given the car as a birthday present.

Her mother and father, Julie and Richard, said: "Rhiannon was a beautiful 18-year-old, a popular and caring girl with a loving and kind personality.

"She touched the heart of everyone she knew and will be sadly missed by all her family, her friends and her boyfriend Ashley."

Rhiannon also has a brother, Matthew, who is 20.

Her friend, Jade, was a former pupil at Treorchy Comprehensive School who was taking A-levels and had applied to the University of Glamorgan for foundation year Health Science course.

Jade's family said she wanted to be a learning disability nurse. She also worked part-time alongside her mother at an opticians Treorchy but had the afternoon off to go shopping with Rhiannon.

Family members visiting the scene of the fatal crash on the A465

Her mother and father, Lisa and Neil, and her stepdad John, said: "Jade was stunning and beautiful, would do anything for anyone.

"She was big sister to Leoni (12) and Jez (6), loved them to bits, and would do anything for them. She loved spoiling them.

"She loved life, partying with her girlfriends, always smiling."

The families released their statements through South Wales Police. Family liaison officers are assisting both families.

Police are appealing for people who may have seen the MG Rover travelling from Rhondda towards Merthyr along the A465 on Saturday afternoon.

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 02920 633438, or their local police station.