North Wales crash teen was most precious soul - mother

Harvey Owen, 17, from Shrewsbury, was a "unique" and "special person", his mum has said

The mum of one of four teenagers killed in a car crash in north Wales has described him as the "most precious soul".

Harvey Owen was killed alongside lifelong friends Jevon Hirst, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris.

Paying tribute, Harvey's mum, Crystal, said the 17-year-old was a "unique" and "special" person.

"I can't accept that I won't be able to hold him again or tell him I love him again," she said.

In a statement issued through North Wales Police, she said her son had touched "many people along the way".

"There are absolutely no words to describe the pain we are feeling," she said.

The boys were found on Tuesday in a silver Ford Fiesta which appeared to have come off the road on the A4085 in Garreg, near Tremadog, Gwynedd.

The car was found upside down, partially submerged in water.

A major search had been launched after the boys went missing following a camping trip.

Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Fitchett and Hugo Morris were found in an overturned, partially submerged car in Gwynedd

Harvey's mum described her son as "laid back, charismatic, cheeky" and "a boy not of his time".

"He was the most gentle soul, always feeling empathy for people and seeing the good in everyone" she said.

"He was always passionate about his latest craze, whether that be his pets, BMX, his skateboarding or more recently his passion for playing guitar, jazz music, poetry and art.

"Lately he had developed a passion for working with bread and dreamed of one day having his own bread shop and cafe."

• Read Crystal Owen's statement in full

Ms Owen said "everyone had a funny story to tell about Harvey".

"Harvey was perfect when he came into the world and he will go out that way," she said.

"He never caused ill will, he did no harm, he wronged nobody, he was and will forever be a son we can be proud of."

Harvey Owen was described as "quirky", a "trendsetter," and "loving, pure and hilarious," by his mum

"The fact that Harvey will always be 17 is unbearable to think of and even harder to accept," Ms Owens said.

"Please hold your loved ones tight, all the minor things we worry about are irrelevant, life is so short and can be so cruel."

Supt Owain Llewellyn of North Wales Police said on Wednesday the crash had appeared to have been "a tragic accident".

Police said some of the family had visited the scene of the crash on Thursday, before local residents held a vigil in Llanfrothen.

In Shropshire, Shrewsbury Abbey and other churches have opened their doors to those who wanted to pay their respects.