THE LOCAL community of Caernarfon and beyond is in mourning following the tragic death of 19-year-old Joshua Lloyd Roberts, a well-known football fan and student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The teenager lost his life on Friday night after a fatal crash occurred on the A4085 road, between Peblig Industrial Estate and Caeathro in Gwynedd.
Joshua, affectionately known as Josh, was an active supporter of Caernarfon Town FC and the Wales national team. He had also played for his hometown club, Bontnewydd FC, as well as Cardiff Met FC. The news of his untimely passing has shocked the local community and the wider football fraternity, with an outpouring of tributes flooding social media platforms over the weekend.
Friends of Josh described him as a “popular lad” and a “gifted footballer,” emphasizing his positive impact on those around him. Noel Mooney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, also expressed his condolences on Twitter, stating, “Very sorry to hear of Josh’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
In a heartfelt gesture, the Football Association of Wales intends to commemorate Joshua’s life during Wales’ upcoming match against Armenia on Friday, June 16. It has been announced that a minute’s applause will be held in the 19th minute of the game, honoring the young supporter’s memory.
Josh Roberts was also a devoted member of the “Cofi Army,” an ardent group of Caernarfon Football Club supporters. The fan account, @CofiArmy, shared a poignant statement on Twitter: “Awful news, one of our young supporters was tragically taken from us last night, one of the Cofi Youths for years and a staunch supporter of his hometown, can’t even imagine the pain his parents are going through, thoughts with the family. R.I.P Josh.”
Cardiff Met FC, the club Josh was associated with, expressed their grief on Twitter as well. They wrote, “As a club, we were devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Josh Roberts, who was part of our BUCS squad last season. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Nathan Craig, a former Caernarfon Town player, shared his disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe it. Rest in peace, mate.” The Welsh society for university students in Cardiff, Y Gym Gym, also paid tribute to Josh. In a heartfelt Facebook post, a spokesperson for the society wrote, “Josh was a friend to everyone, loved and extremely loyal, he always managed to raise a smile and an interesting conversation. There will be a huge loss after him in Y GymGym, in Cardiff, and within his community in Caernarfon.”
The post continued, “At times like this, we can see and appreciate Y GymGym as a close and strong community, look after each other as we try to come to terms with this devastating news. Y GymGym would like to extend their love to Josh’s family and friends, thanking him for his company over the past two years. We intend to hold a day to celebrate his life over the next few weeks. Thank you, Josh, for the fun, your energy, and your special character! You really are a star!”
