A wonderful son (From Barry And District News)

A wonderful son

THE DEVASTATED parents of a Vale teenager rugby player found dead on Llantwit Major beach have been deeply affected by the loss.

Barry police sergeant Steve Trigg and his wife have asked to be left alone to come to terms with the suicide of their seventeen-year-old son Joseph.

Joseph, known as 'Soapy' to his friends was found hanging from a tree in woodland just three miles from his house on Sunday, December 15.

He vanished after staying with a friend and the alarm was raised when he failed to return home.

The keen sportsman from the Hollies Estate, Rhoose, was a gifted athlete and a keen swimmer. He was capped in rugby for Wales at school level and was once a member of the Llantwit Major's Surf Lifesaving Club.

In a statement released through the police, Joseph's father, Barry police Sergeant Steve Trigg, said: "Joseph was a wonderful son and an extremely popular lad who was liked by everyone who knew him. He was highly regarded as a sportsman and represented Wales' schools in rugby and swimming, as well as being a keen athlete.

"Joseph was a student at Llantwit Major Comprehensive and would have celebrated his 18th birthday on Wednesday, December 18. His tragic death has affected us deeply and he will be very, very sadly missed.

"I do not wish to make any comment on the circumstances surrounding his death and would ask the media to respect our wishes and leave us alone to grieve at this difficult time."

The funeral service is being held at the Parish Church, Penmark on Monday, December 30, followed by cremation at Coychurch Crematorium, Bridgend.

Hundreds of his friends are expected to be there, and Joseph's family have asked them to wear casual clothes instead of the traditional black. His family has requested flowers be sent to the church, or donations to Ty Hafan children's hospice.