Footballer Lucas Vaughan, 18, in intensive care after horror car crash as footballing world rallies around him

FORMER Bristol Rovers academy player Lucas Vaughan remains in a coma in intensive care following a serious car crash.

The 18-year-old was a passenger in the smash that killed three teenagers in Wales on Monday.

Media WalesFormer Bristol Rovers academy starlet Lucas Vaughan remains in intensive care[/caption]

WNSVaughan is in critical condition at Cardiff University Hospital[/caption]

The horrific crash occurred at around 7pm on Monday in Coedely, South Wales.

Boxer Morgan Smith, 18, died in the incident, as well as Jesse Owen, 18, and Callum Griffiths, 19.

The Audi A1 collided with a bus on a dark-wet winding stretch of 20mph road, with the five passengers on a night out.

Vaughan’s former club Bristol Rovers have offered a message of support on social media, posting: “Our thoughts are with former academy player Lucas Vaughan and his family following a serious road traffic collision.

“The staff are in constant communication with Lucas’ mum Claire and we are supporting the family as best we can do during this extremely difficult time.”

Since leaving Rovers Vaughan has played for Lydney Town, who wrote in their own statement: “On the eve of Monday 11th December Lydney Town player Lucas Vaughan was involved in a serious car accident which sadly resulted in three people losing their lives.

“Lucas sustained life threatening injuries and was taken to Cardiff University Hospital, where he remains in a coma.

“Since joining us, initially on loan and then permanently since leaving Bristol Rovers in the summer, Lucas, at only 18, has been a shining light at our club, and incredibly talented footballer but more so, a top, top guy with a lovely manner and zest for life.

“We all pray with everything we have for him and his amazing family at such a difficult time.

“We thank the Hellenic League and Brimscombe & Thrupp for their understanding in rescheduling the scheduled fixture for the evening of the 12th.

“We’re all thinking of you, mate.”

Vaughan and another unnamed individual remain in critical condition.

A GoFundMe page has since been launched by a family friend in order to help ease the burden on Vaughan’s family during this troubling time.

It has so far received £7,000 of its £9,000 target.

Deputy mayor Dan Owen-Jones was one of the first at the scene – describing it as “horrific”.

He said: “At times I was numb and helpless to the grieving families.

“I cannot even describe the pain, shock and suffering I have witnessed tonight… horrific.”

Chief Superintendent Steve Jones, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. Trained family liaison officers are supporting the families at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.

“Please can we ask the public to refrain from speculation and rumour while our officers deal with this serious collision.

“These are obviously tragic circumstances and we do not wish for speculation online to cause further distress to the families of those involved.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe page by clicking here