Merthyr Tydfil FC tribute to crash victim Josh Williams

Josh Williams would go out of his way to help, his mother said

Tributes have been paid to 20-year-old amateur footballer who was killed in a car crash early on Friday.

Josh Williams, a former youth player with Merthyr Tydfil FC, died when a convertible car hit a tree in the town.

The club also said a 22-year-old man who was injured, Adam Pembridge, was one of their six-a-side players.

The collision involved a blue MGF car at High Street, Penydarren, near the Penydarren Club, at about 03:40 GMT on Friday. Police appealed for witnesses.

The road was closed for several hours.

'Sincere condolences'

Joshua's parents have paid tribute to him.

His mother Julie, said: "Josh loved life, and was a loving and generous person, who would go out of his way to help anyone.

"We've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection towards Josh from the local area."

His father Michael added how "deeply saddened" he was by the loss of his son.

Merthyr Town Football Club will hold a minute's silence at Tuesday night's game at Penydarren Park in tribute to Mr Williams.

A statement on the club website read: "MTFC would also like to express our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Josh Williams, following this tragic accident.

"Josh played for MTFC's Academy up until the Under-16s age group and will be sorely missed by family and friends.

"We will pay tribute to him prior to our next home game on Tuesday night.

The club said Mr Pembridge was known to his friends as "Curly" and there had been a "humbling" outpouring of messages of support for him on social networking sites.

'Overwhelming shock'

It added: "We would like to send our best wishes to Adam and his family at this time, hoping that he can pull through this very tough time."

The club's community liaison officer, Mark Abraham, said: "It was an unbelievable overwhelming shock for everybody.

"They were both very well liked.

"Adam is very fortunate that he is still here. It's just a tragedy that someone's life has been cut short."

South Wales Police said that as a 10-year-old, Joshua was hailed a local hero in the local newspaper when his quick thinking helped save the life of an eight year-old girl who suffered a serious head injury after falling.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the South Wales Police Roads Policing Unit at Gwaelod y Garth on 01656 655555 extension: 42331.