HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a Chirk teenager who has died.
Yale Morris Howarth, 15, of Black Park, Chirk, died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Wednesday after being rushed to hospital on Tuesday night.
An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned by North East Wales and Central coroner John Gittins.
Yale was a pupil at Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen, where a counselling, advice and support service has been set up for any pupils affected by his death.
Headteacher Alison Duffy said: “Yale was a special, likeable, friendly lad who was a good mate to many people and who had no enemies.
“He will be sorely missed. He was always affable and sociable, and wanted to do well in school and was achieving highly.
“He was a brilliant drummer and had formed a band which had a good following of our pupils.
“He was kind, considerate and had a lovely sense of humour. He was always there to help his friends.
“Even though he is gone, he will never really be lost to us – we will feel him close in so many special ways.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
The school will hold a special service to celebrate Yale’s life, and pupils have begun writing in a book of remembrance.
Mrs Duffy added: “The pupils are coming up with ideas for ways in which we can all remember Yale.
“It is sad to lose someone who is so young.
“He had his whole life ahead of him and was doing so well. Yale had a bright future.”
Mr Howarth played drums for Chirk-based band The Grammes, and had performed gigs at Chirk AAA Club, at Ysgol Dinas Bran and at the Stanton House Inn, Chirk.
Landlord Mark Jones said: “The Grammes played here on at least three occasions, and they were very popular with the crowd.
“Yale was quiet but pleasant, and very down-to-earth.”
More than 100 people have joined a Facebook group set up in his memory, called ‘Yale Howarth - The Legend’.
His bandmate Morgan Valentine wrote: “You are the most well-mannered and respectful person I have ever met. One in a million.
“You’re the person I could go to about anything. I can clearly say I had the time of my life with you and Joe as we rocked that stage.
“I’m never giving up the music mate, don't worry. I’ll keep at it and do it for you, you'll keep me going.
“Gone but never ever forgotten. I love you so much pal.”
Members of Chirk Town Council have also offered their condolences to Yale’s family.
Clerk Sam Hughes said: “We were all very saddened to hear about the death of Yale.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”
Coroner Mr Gittins said his provisional cause of death arose from hanging.