TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'fantastic' Flintshire musician who died in a crash last week.

Jon Kennedy died in a road traffic collision near Broughton on the morning of Monday, September 25.

The 46-year-old was from the Buckley area and was a talented musician.

He was previously the bass guitarist and a singer in the world-renowned metal band Cradle of Filth for a year between 1994 and 95.

Mr Kennedy - also known as 'Jonny Darko' - was also one of the founders of the black metal band Hecate Enthroned.

Lead singer of Cradle of Filth, Dani Filth, took to social media to pay tribute to his friend and former band member.

He wrote: "It is with much sadness that we hear about the untimely passing of our former bassist Jon Kennedy.

"He was a great bassist and singer who filled in for Cradle at a time of such magical import, mayhem and mischief."

Dani added: "I distinctly remember having a wickedly wonderful week staying just outside Wrexham in Wales at Jon’s mum’s house in 1995.

"We watched Emperor synch up with the newly-released Disney Aladdin on VHS, heading out to undertake Black Metal shenanigans thereafter. We were always pulling pranks and playfully winding each other up back in those days. He will be missed! Godspeed old friend."

Hecate Enthroned added: "We are shook and devasted by the passing of our brother Jon Kennedy. This isn't just a huge loss for his family and friends, but for the thousands of music fans and genre lovers that he touched and inspired.

"Jon's passion for music was huge and at times all consuming which is reflected in how he is revered within the Black Metal scene. Working with Jon on music was fun, inspiring and challenging because anyone with that drive and passion was a force and this continued after Hecate with all his musical endeavours right up to the end with the Power house Imperial Genocide. But this passion was matched with the love for his family and his close friends. A loving father and husband and son.

"Our thoughts and hearts are with his wonderful family at this incredibly difficult time. As we mourn our brother please be mindful of his family and respect their space. But please raise the horns for Jon. Nos da Jon."

A fundraising page, raising money for Mr Kennedy's family to help cover funeral costs has so far collected £2,919 (correct at time of writing).

Set up by Beth Doyle, it reads: "Hi everyone, as most of you know we unfortunately lost a fantastic man on the 25th September 2023 Jon Kennedy.  Jon was known for his music, his mates and most importantly his family who he now leaves a legacy with.

"I have started this fundraiser to help raise any costs for a funeral that the family will need, any help is appreciated even if it's 50p, any money donated will go straight to the family, thank you."

The Black Lion Pub in Buckley also paid tribute to Mr Kennedy, adding: "Yesterday we lost someone very special to us all. Jonny Darko would make everyone smile when he graced our doors with his beautiful family.

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"We are truly heartbroken here at The Black Lion. May your passion for music live on. Our heartfelt condolences to all of your family at this tough time. We’re here if you need us no matter the time.

"A go fund me page has been set up for Jonny's funeral, let’s give him the send off that this amazing man deserves."

And it seems that Mr Kennedy's influence was well and truly felt much further afield too.

Posting on the fundraising page, Jyri Anttila wrote: "I grew up listening to Hecate Enthroned here in Finland and I am very saddened by this tragedy. My condolences to the family."

Ed Montejo added: "Thank you Jon for the music with Hecate. A huge inspiration to me in New York growing up and with my own band / music, and many more worldwide. Our Hecate cover will be dedicated to you."