Father-of-Two Gareth Davies Killed in Car Crash After Dangerous Overtake Attempt in Merthyr Tydfil

A father-of-two was killed in a tragic car crash in Merthyr Tydfil after a driver tried to overtake at a dangerous junction. The crash happened on April 13, 2023, near the Biffa Waste Management site in Trecatti.

Gareth Davies, 43, was driving his black Renault Clio on his way to work when Dale Groves, 30, crashed into the side of his car. Groves was driving a white Ford Ka and attempted to overtake two vehicles at once — a big oil tanker and Gareth’s car — near a junction.

A CCTV video released by Gwent Police shows the tanker passing moments before the crash. Gareth’s partner, Sharon Griffiths, rushed to the scene after being told by one of his colleagues. Gareth was still alive at the time but in a lot of pain. Sharon said he looked at her and said, “I can’t babe, I’m sorry.”

He soon lost consciousness and later died, despite the best efforts of firefighters and paramedics. Gareth was declared dead at 7:25 AM.

“His Death Has Destroyed Our Lives,” Says Heartbroken Partner

During the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on May 17, Sharon described the pain her family felt. She said they “collapsed into each other” in shock when they were told Gareth had died. Gareth was a loving father and partner. His sudden death has left the family heartbroken.

Sharon said:  “Gareth was conscious when I arrived. He was in so much pain. I tried to calm him down so help could reach him. But he just said, ‘I can’t babe, I’m sorry.’ That was the last thing he said to me.”

She described the weeks after the crash as full of pain and confusion. The family had to wait a year before knowing if the other driver would be prosecuted.

“Groves called it a ‘massive mistake’. But that mistake took Gareth’s life and destroyed ours,” she added.

Driver Gets Suspended Sentence

Groves, from Penydarren, admitted to causing death by careless driving. The court found him not guilty of the more serious charge of dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, but it was suspended for two years. He will also complete 250 hours of unpaid work and is banned from driving for five years.

Police released the footage to remind drivers how dangerous overtaking can be.