THE grieving mother of a champion high jumper who died in a crash said the hundreds of mourners at her son’s funeral showed he was “breaking records even after his death”.
Debbie Evans, of Connah’s Quay, told the Leader more than 400 people turned up on Wednesday to say their final farewells to her 18-year-old son Danny at St Mark’s Church.
She added: “The vicar told us during the service that he had never seen so many people at a funeral and he would never expect to again.
“People were packed in at the front and down the sides of the church and others couldn’t even get in.
“One friend even flew back from Rwanda, where he was doing volunteer work, to say goodbye to Danny.
“It just shows how popular he was and how many people’s lives he touched.
“He is still breaking records even after his death.”
The popular Deeside College student, who was a talented athlete, died when the car he was a passenger in overturned on Sealand Road on February 15.
His coffin was brought to the church in a horse-drawn carriage and friends and family wore sky blue ties and scarves in honour of Danny’s favourite football team, Manchester City.
Debbie said: “The horses were absolutely beautiful. It was a really fitting tribute to Dan because he was unique.
“We would like to thank everyone who came to the funeral. The fact they made the effort to be with us is so nice.
“We collected donations for Deeside Athletics Club and will let people know how much was raised as soon as we know.
“All the letters and cards I have received from all Dan’s friends will be a great comfort to me in the coming months.”