TRIBUTES have been paid to a 19-year-old Llanidloes man who died following a four-vehicle collision on the A470 near Caersws on Saturday.

Matthew Bennett, a member of the British Army, was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital in critical condition after sustaining serious injuries in the crash.

He sadly later died in hospital, police said.

Friends have taken to social media to express sadness and shock at the loss.

He was described by friends and family in tributes on social media as “kind”, “warm-hearted”, and “very funny”.

One wrote: “Still can’t believe what happened. You couldn’t wish to meet a nicer person.”

Flowers have been left on the roadside at the site of the crash, with heartfelt hand-written messages.

One friend, Dylan Rees, left a message to Matthew saying: “I can’t believe you’re gone.

“We shared so many good times together.

“After 19 years of friendship and spending our entire childhood together you’ve left me memories that will last me an eternity.

“I’m glad and grateful that I got to be a part of your life and that you were a part of mine.

“I am going to miss you big man.”

An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

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