A promising young man and former head boy lost his life in a tragic road accident, prompting renewed calls for action over road safety in South Wales. Ceirion Galliers, who had recently celebrated his 18th birthday, died after being struck by a car as he walked on an unlit stretch of the A4060 in Merthyr Tydfil. The inquest, which took place at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court, has cast a spotlight on the sequence of events leading to the fatal collision and underlines the lasting impact on the community and Galliers’ family.
Ceirion Galliers, an accomplished rugby player and much-admired former head boy of Afon Taf High School, had just returned from his first trip abroad with friends in Magaluf. On the evening of 22 July 2023, he joined his family at Pentrebach Labour Club to continue his birthday celebrations. The group enjoyed an afternoon and evening together, socialising and playing pool before departing at around 10pm.
Later that night, Galliers decided to visit his girlfriend and arranged for her to collect him. However, instead of remaining at a designated meeting point, he began walking along the A4060 – a busy, poorly lit road with no street lighting. His mother, Lowri Galliers, became increasingly concerned for his wellbeing and attempted to follow him, but could not catch up as he moved ahead out of sight.
During the inquest, it was revealed that several passing motorists witnessed Galliers wandering intermittently into the carriageway. Multiple drivers described having to swerve to avoid him as he raised his arms in a distinctive ‘starfish’ gesture. These hazardous movements, combined with the lack of visibility on the unlit road, created a dangerous situation for both Galliers and the passing traffic.
Paula Mahoney, one of the eyewitnesses, recounted the fear she felt as she saw Galliers, clad in a light t-shirt and shorts, walking down the middle of the carriageway with his arms in the air. Her partner, who was driving, managed to avoid him by swerving into the opposite lane and stopping completely. Tragically, not all motorists were able to react in time. Another driver later collided with Galliers despite attempting to swerve, inflicting severe head injuries.
Galliers was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. He died two days later, on 24 July 2023, only 11 days after his birthday. The coroner, Graeme Hughes, summarised the evidence by noting that Galliers had likely consumed a significant amount of alcohol and was fatigued following his trip abroad, both of which may have contributed to impaired judgement. Importantly, police examination of his mobile phone found nothing to indicate an intention to harm himself and his behaviour throughout the evening had been described as lively and upbeat.
The inquest focused on whether the incident was a deliberate act or a series of tragic misjudgements. The coroner concluded that Galliers’ death was a case of misadventure, with the driver unable to avoid the collision due to the suddenness of Galliers’ movements on at least four separate occasions, as corroborated by witness testimony. The official cause of death was recorded as severe traumatic brain injury.
Ceirion’s family, left devastated by the loss, paid tribute to his vibrant spirit and popularity. His father, Terry Galliers, described Ceirion as “one in a million” – a young man who brought joy to all who knew him and left a lasting impression both on and off the rugby field. The family’s grief was mirrored by the community, who remembered him as a dedicated sportsman and caring friend.
Beyond the individual tragedy, inquests such as this serve a vital public function. They help clarify the circumstances of sudden or unexplained deaths, address rumours or uncertainties, and may lead to wider discussions on issues such as road safety and mental health. Through open reporting, inquests can spur changes and hopefully prevent future loss of life.
In the aftermath of this heart-breaking event, questions remain over the safety of unlit roads and the importance of taking extra precautions, particularly for pedestrians at night. Galliers’ story is a sombre reminder of the risks present on rural highways, underscoring the enduring need for heightened awareness and practical measures to enhance road safety for all.