An inquest into the tragic deaths of four Shropshire boys will take place today

Hugo Oliver Morris, 18, Jevon Alexander Hirst, 16, Harvey Graham Owen, 17, and Wilfred John Fitchett, also 17, went missing last November after traveling to North Wales on a camping trip.

A major search operation took place but sadly the Shrewsbury boys were found dead in Llanrothen on November 21 – a tragedy that shocked the county and the country.

Opening the inquest into their deaths on November 29 last year, North West Wales Coroner Kate Robertson said the preliminary cause of death was drowning.

She said: “The four young men were traveling in a vehicle on the A4085 near Llanfrothen when the vehicle left the road.

“The circumstances led to the death of all four occupants.

“Autopsies have been carried out and preliminary causes of death have been stated pending the completion of the investigation.”

Tributes were left in the days following her death. Harvey’s mother Crystal Owen described him as “a unique and special person who touched so many people along the way.”

She said: “There is never a time to lose a child, but this feels much more painful as they were literally thriving in life and had everything to live for.”

Wilf’s friend Maddi Corfield posted a tribute online, writing: “I love you so much, I will miss you forever.”

“The sweetest, most loving boy I have ever known.

“I hope you know how much I love you, beautiful.”

Following the boys’ deaths, a candlelight vigil was held in Shrewsbury Square and Shrewsbury Town FC gave a minute’s applause as the community came together to mourn.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer then expressed their condolences to the families and friends.

The inquest will take place in Caernarfon