A young biker who died after his motorbike left the road on Llandudno's Great Orme has been remembered as 'one of the good guys' in heartfelt tributes.
Filip Szwarnog-Stepien, named unofficially on social media, died after his motorbike left the road and he plunged into the sea on Thursday, October 29 at around 10.30pm. A suspected black car was believed to have been present at the scene. Three teenagers have since been arrested by North Wales Police.
Flowers and messages left at Marine Drive
Throughout the week, a growing collection of flowers, messages and photographs have been tenderly placed along the wall of Marine Drive. One friend's moving tribute read: "One of the good guys gone far too soon. Rest easy mate".
Filip was a well-loved fitness and swimming enthusiast. Staff at a local gym posted their tribute online to somebody who "never failed to brighten the room" reports North Wales Live.
A spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we remember one of our long standing members, Filip Szwarnog-Stepien. Filip was a familiar face in our gym, someone who loved his training and was here almost every day. His contagious smile never failed to brighten the room. Hearing him say 'have a nice shift' every time he left the gym. He was more than just a member, he was a part of our gym family, his presence will be truly missed by our staff and members alike."
They added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Filip's family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Filip. You will never be forgotten."
Swim Conwy remembers 'fantastic' swimmer
This week, Swim Conwy Performance paid tribute to the "lovely young man" who had been a "fantastic" swimmer.
In a post entitled Remembering Filip, a spokesman wrote online: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we remember Filip, a former Swim Conwy swimmer who tragically passed away last week. Filip was part of Swim Conwy for many years, and although he eventually left Swim Conwy as he got older and then went on to pursue a new chapter in his life, he was never forgotten by those who knew him. He was a fantastic swimmer, but more importantly, he was a genuinely lovely young man - polite, kind, respectful and always well liked by those around him. He was one of those swimmers who left a lasting impression, both in and out of the pool. As a club, we are reminded that Swim Conwy is about so much more than swimming. The friendships, memories and experiences shared along the way stay with us long after a swimmer has moved on."
They said Filip will always be remembered as part of the Swim Conwy family and added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time. Swim Conwy remembers you, Filip. You will always be part of our story."
Police appeal for dashcam footage
The incident took place on Marine Drive at 10.30pm on Thursday, October 29. North Wales Police have renewed their appeal for information about what happened. A spokesman said: "Three males, aged between 17 and 18 have been arrested and interviewed in connection with the incident, and have since been released whilst enquiries continue. Further to our previous appeal, officers are requesting dashcam footage from anyone who was driving around Llandudno town centre between 10pm and 10:30pm. We are also keen to review dashcam footage from anyone who drove along Marine Drive, Llandudno from the Toll House around the headland anytime between Monday, 26th and Thursday, 29th October."
Donations are being sought for an £11,000 Gofundme appeal to support Filip's family and particularly with the "financial pressures" they may be experiencing.
