Carson Price: Funeral for drug probe park death teen

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Mourners outside St Catwg's Church at Carson Price's funeralImage source, Wales News Service
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Mourners gathered outside St Catwg's Church for Carson Price's funeral

The funeral of a teenager whose death has been linked to drugs has taken place in Caerphilly county.

Carson Price, 13, was found "in and out of consciousness, pale and shaking" in Ystrad Mynach Park on 12 April.

The teenager, from Hengoed, was rushed to hospital but his condition deteriorated rapidly and he died.

A service was held at St Catwg's Church in Gelligaer, followed by a wake at Penallta Rugby Club in Ystrad Mynach.

Image source, Family Photo
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Police have said that drugs were involved in Carson's death

The order of service contained a heartfelt poem written to Carson which began: "The moment that you passed, My heart was torn in two, One side filled with heartache, And the other died with you."

A written tribute signed "Mammy, Daddy and Coby" spoke of Carson as "the perfect little teenager, mischievous at times but that cheeky little face, we could never stay mad".

His family wrote: "We only wish we had the chance to to tell you again how much we love you, and will always love you...

"We feel robbed that we will never watch you grow old and continue your passion with music and reach all the milestones in life.

"Mammy wishes she could kiss your handsome chops one more time and feel your floppy hair."

It ended: "Love you to the moon and back our handsome boy."

Image source, Gwent Police
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The poem was printed in the funeral service

Image source, BBC Sport
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Photos of Carson included in the order of service

An inquest opened into Carson's death heard he may have taken drugs just before he became unconscious.

One person was later arrested but the arrest was not "directly concerning" the boy's death, Newport Coroner's Court heard.

During a vigil held six days after Carson died at the park where he was found, his family said in a statement he was "bright and caring, kind and loving".

They added: "He was a cheeky little boy. He was the best big brother to Coby and was loved by so many."

The family urged parents to talk to their children about the "devastating consequences" drugs could have.

Friends and family also released balloons in a tribute to Carson.