The family of a 13-year-old boy, whose death has been linked to drugs, have described him as a “perfect little teenager” in a heartfelt letter read out at his funeral.
Lewis School Pengam pupil Carson Price was found unconscious at Ystrad Mynach Park last month. It is believed he took ecstasy and later died in hospital.
Dressed in his favourite colour of blue, Carson’s friends and family gathered at St Catwg’s Church, in Gelligaer, on Tuesday, May 7, to pay tribute.
Conducting the service, Reverend Gary Powell read out the letter written by Carson’s parents Tatum and Brian and his brother Coby.
The letter read: “Never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d live a day without you
“You were our first born, our baby, our love, our world. The most perfect, handsome boy and everyone agreed Those big brown eyes, chubby chops and perfect little brown curls on your hair.
“You grew into a perfect little teenager, mischievous at times but that cheeky little face, we could never stay mad. You always told us you loved us and that meant the world to us, you were so precious. We only wish we had the chance to tell you again how much we love you, and will always love you.
“Life will never be the same now you’re with the angels, but the precious memories we have as a family no one can take.”
During the service, Rev Powell spoke of how Carson was a talented musician who had taught himself classical guitar.
Rev Powell added: “He loved bikes and motorbikes. He was a friend to so many.
“Carson means so much to so many people. He leaves friends and family with so many memories.”
While the exact cause of Carson’s death has yet to be established, Gwent Police has said one of its lines of enquiry is that he may have taken a form of ecstasy pill called ‘Donkey Kong’, which is shaped as the video games character.
The funeral was also attended by Caerphilly Superintendent Nick McLain and Detective Chief Inspector Alun Davies.
PC McLain said: “The effects of the events that led to Carson’s tragic death have been felt by all those who knew Carson and has had a devastating impact on everyone involved, and most particularly his mother, his father, his brother and the rest of his family.
“Today, and the days that follow, will be difficult for them and I know everyone in the community will carry on giving them the support they need as well as supporting each other.”
He added: “I’m grateful to the community for all the information they have provided and all of this will be acted upon appropriately.
“As I’ve said, taking drugs can have devastating consequences and our advice continues to be ‘don’t take drugs’.”
Following the funeral, Carson’s wake was held at Penallta Rugby Club in Ystrad Mynach.
A vigil for Carson was held on Thursday, April 18 at Ystrad Mynach Park and was attended by several hundred people, including Carson’s family and friends.
In a written statement issued after the funeral service, Carson’s family said: “Today is the hardest day of our lives. On Friday, April 12, our lives changed forever when our little boy was taken away from us. Since then, we have been living an unimaginable nightmare.
“Carson was loved by so many and the amount of people that have come along today is a testament to this.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we’d like to thank all those that have supported us through this awful time.
“Today, we say goodbye to our beautiful boy, Carson, following his short life with us.
“This should never have happened. We want to keep reminding people to talk about the devastating consequences that drugs can have and how they destroy lives to help prevent another family going through the same heartbreak that we have faced.
“Our lives will never be the same. You will remain in our hearts and will never be forgotten.”