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A 20-year-old man who died following a collision near Rhymney over the weekend has been described as “the kindest of souls” with the “biggest of hearts”.

Ethan Powell, from Brynmawr, died following the collision on the A465 westbound, between Rhymney and Dowlais, which happened at around 4.50am on Saturday May 31.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after a quadbike was found overturned.

His family have been receiving support from specially trained officers, Gwent Police confirmed.

In a tribute released through Gwent Police, Ethan’s family described him as a “much-loved and cherished son”.

The tribute continued: “Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life.

“He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room.

“He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella, with our family remembering him every second of every day.

“Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him.

“We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday.

“It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family.”

“Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.”

Arrests

Following the incident, a 40-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil was arrested on suspicion of murder, drink driving, and drug driving.

A 37-year-old man, also from Merthyr Tydfil, was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, and assisting an offender.

Both men have since been released on conditional bail.

Three further arrests have since been made.

A 43-year-old man from Tredegar, and a 34-year-old man from Pontyprid, were both arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. They are both currently in police custody.

A 41-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

He was released on conditional bail as police continue their enquiries. However, he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry, police said.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact Gwent Police on 101, or through its website or social media direct messages, quoting log reference 2500171434.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.