Tributes to 'gentle giant' who died after Mid Wales crash
Tributes have been paid to a "gentle giant" who died following a four-vehicle collision in Mid Wales.
Matthew Bennett, from Llanidloes, was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital after suffering serious injuries in the crash which happened on Saturday morning on the A470 in Caersws, but later died in hospital.
Today Matthew's father Paul Bennett paid tribute to his son, who he said was known by his friends and family "as a gentle giant for his caring nature".
The 19-year-old was a member of the Army Reserves in Aberystwyth, and also worked at Colomer Munmany Europe, a tannery in Carno.
At the age of 11 he joined the Llanidloes Army Cadets, and progressed when he was 17 years old to join the Royal Welsh Guards at Catterick.
His family said Matthew enjoyed mountain biking, visiting the gym, socialising and was a member of Llanidloes Rugby Club and that he also loved his car.
Mr Bennett said he wanted to thank emergency services, friends and family following the collision.
He said: "I would like to thank special constable Mark Ingram from Llanidloes and PC Karen Jones, our police family liaison officer, as well as all the Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue service staff that were present at the scene and did everything they could.
"Special mention goes to Sergeant Ashley Brice, who was off duty when he came across the scene, and provided first aid until emergency services arrived."
Mr Bennett added: "I would also like to thank Stoke University hospital and the Air Ambulance for all their efforts in caring for Matthew. I am grateful to the Army for their support at this time."
The family also said they wanted to thank close family and friends in the area for all the support shown to them at this difficult time.
Matthew leaves his parents Paul Bennett and Christine Grazier, of Llanidloes.
He also leaves his girlfriend, Becky Wilson, also from Llanidloes.
