TRIBUTES are planned at Penarth’s summer festival for the victims of the tragic A48 crash which claimed two lives, one of them a former champion of the Downhill Derby.
A father and one other victim died in the early hours of the morning when a motorcycle and car collided on the A48 between Bonvilston and Cowbridge on Friday, July 7.
Penarth Town Council say they will honour the victims at their famous Downhill Derby on Saturday, July 15, at Penarth Pier.
The council also confirmed the event, which will include stalls, fairground rides and live music, is still scheduled to go ahead, however they are keeping a close eye on the weather, which is forecast for thundery showers and up to 40mph winds on Saturday afternoon.
Barry's Matthew Woodward, who was a regular participant at the derby – winning in 2019 and 2022 – died at the scene, leaving three-year-old daughter Amelia.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The Downhill Derby team will be recognising Matthew Woodward, a previous winner, at the start of the race, along with the other victim in the tragic crash. Our thoughts are with the families, friends and all those affected by the incident.
“At present, the festival is still going ahead but we are continuing to monitor the weather situation. We will take a decision accordingly and issue updates on any changes.”
Father of three-year-old Matthew Woodward tragically dies at scene of horror crash
Matthew Woodward died in a horror crash between Cowbridge and Bonvilston which occurred in the early hours of the morning on July 7.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support the grieving family.
It described how Mr Woodward was an HGV driver who was returning home from his shift.
Organised by Oscar Jenkins and Ryan Smith, the GoFundMe page said Mr Woodward’s life was cut too short.
A statement on the page read: “On the tragic morning of Friday, our dear friend Matthew Woodward’s life was cut short in a devastating motorcycle accident near his hometown of Barry.
“He had recently sold his car to meet mortgage obligations, relying on his motorcycle to commute to and from work.
“As an HGV driver, he finished his shift in the early hours before the collision that took his life.
“We're raising funds to assist with funeral expenses, supporting his grieving family and loving daughter Amelia that he left behind. Your generosity and support would mean the world.”
Ambulance crews were called at 4.30am after the collision between the car and motorcycle.
South Wales Police said two men died at the scene.
"Emergency services were at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the A48 between Bonvilston and Cowbridge which was reported at around 4.25am.
"The collision involved a car and a motorcycle. Two men, the driver of the car and the motorcyclist, died at the scene.
"South Wales Police is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision and has not yet come forward to make contact.
"If you can help, please contact us and quote reference: 2300225017."
To go to the GoFundMe page and donate, click here.
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