THE FAMILY of a 23-year-old Penarth man who died in a road traffic collision in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 9), say he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Gareth Creeden, who was a pedestrian at the time of the incident, was involved in a collision with a blue Fiat Punto on Penarth Road, near the Car Shop Megastore, at approximately 12.15am.

In a statement released through South Wales Police, Gareth’s family said: "Gareth was a loving, caring and hard-working young man, who took life with a pinch of salt.

"He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

"He was a credit to his parents Nicky and Jane, an inspiration to his brother Matthew, and a loving boyfriend to Emily.

"We have taken great comfort in knowing that Gareth’s wishes were to donate his organs, and in doing so he will go on to help other people in need.

"We would like to thank our relatives and friends for their kind thoughts and messages."

A Facebook page called RIP Gareth Creeden was set up this week in tribute to the former Stanwell pupil.

More than 600 people had joined the group by Tuesday morning and dozens of messages had been left by family and friends.

One said: "Such a sad waste of your young life. You will be missed by so many."

Another said: "I couldn’t have wished to meet a nicer gentleman. God always takes the best ones."

Penarth Road was closed for approximately three hours on Sunday while initial investigations were carried out.

South Wales Police is appealing for information and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or anyone who may either have seen the vehicle being driven or who saw Gareth prior to the collision. Sgt Neil Williams, of the Roads Policing Unit in Gwaelod-y-Garth, said: "We would like to thank the people who have already come forward with information, but would still very much like to speak to anyone else who may be able to help us with the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 02920 633 438, or 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.