**Tributes Paid to Swansea Paramedic Who Leaves “Gaping Hole” After Shock Death**
A father of two from Swansea known for his “cheeky smile and infectious laugh” has been remembered fondly by his family, friends and colleagues following his sudden death at the age of 33. Tomos Griffiths, who was a valued member of the South Western Ambulance Service, died on Sunday, 20 July, with relatives sharing their belief that he tragically took his own life.
Tomos Griffiths originally hailed from Birchgrove, Swansea, and spent much of his professional career helping others. Most recently, he served as the clinical team leader at the emergency operations centre in Bristol, and his dedication to the ambulance service had won him much respect among peers and patients alike. The loss is felt deeply across the communities he touched – both personally and professionally.
His older sister Nina Griffiths, a paediatric nurse, has spoken publicly about the heartbreak the family are experiencing, saying, “We’re all massively devastated. He was so young, and it’s such a tragedy to lose someone in this way.” She reflected on Tomos’s fluctuating mental health over recent years but shared fond memories of their last meeting at the end of June. “We went for food, and he said he was in a better place. It was a shock. We’d hoped he had been feeling better,” Nina recalled.
The family emphasised that Tomos had sought support from mental health services, but Nina suggested his passing highlighted broader issues in society, “especially with young men, who aren’t encouraged to talk in the way women are.” Public tributes have helped the family cope in this difficult period, offering comfort as they read the moving messages from colleagues, friends and members of the public whose lives he had touched through his work.
Educated at local institutions Birchgrove School, Swansea College and Swansea University, Tomos was known for his versatility both in studies and sport. He was passionate about football, a dedicated Swansea City supporter, and also participated in kickboxing. His easy-going, sociable nature meant he was equally at home with classmates, teammates, and friends made further afield when he followed Nina to Cheltenham to begin his paramedic career.
Nina reminisced about their close relationship, noting that, as the youngest sibling, Tomos often looked up to her. “I was almost like a second mum to him growing up. Most of the time he listened to me,” she shared, adding stories of childhood mischief and laughter. These special memories remain a cherished part of the family’s life together.
Colleagues and patients frequently praised his professionalism and empathy. Nina recounted that when she worked as a health visitor, numerous families she assisted recounted their gratitude for Tomos’s skill and kindness when he responded to their emergency calls. “They always had really nice things to say about how good he was at his job. That really came across,” she stated with pride.
Senior staff at the South Western Ambulance Service paid tribute to Tomos’s impact. William Lee, the assistant director of operations, remarked, “Tomos – well known for his cheeky smile and kind approach – was incredibly passionate about the care we deliver to our patients. His loss will be felt by many across the trust for a long time to come.”
A funeral service is planned for Monday, 11 August, at Cheltenham Crematorium, with a wake to follow at The Royal Oak, Prestbury. Those unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to join the ceremony remotely via a video link. There will also be a celebration of Tomos’s life at Manor Park Country Hotel in Clydach, Swansea, on Saturday, 30 August. The family welcomes friends and colleagues to attend and has requested donations to CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) be made in lieu of flowers.
The news of Tomos Griffiths’s passing is a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting mental health and encouraging open conversation, especially among men. Support services such as the Samaritans remain available 24/7 for anyone affected by these issues, both in the local community and beyond.