Fatal Collision on A470
Gareth Stephenson, a 35-year-old drag performer from Aberystwyth, died in a road traffic collision on the A470 between Llanidloes and Llandinam in Powys on January 26, 2025. An inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court revealed that illicit drugs were found in his system, which were likely to have impaired his driving.
Details of the Crash
Mr Stephenson was driving his Hyundai i10 back to Mid Wales from Manchester, a journey of approximately 150 miles, when the incident occurred. The inquest heard that in wet conditions, his vehicle clipped the kerb, causing him to lose control. The car veered into the path of oncoming traffic and collided with a lorry before leaving the road. He suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Toxicology Findings
Post-mortem tests detected illicit drugs in Mr Stephenson's system. Area coroner Patricia Morgan recorded a conclusion of a road traffic collision while under the influence of drugs. The medical cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries.
Tributes from Family and Community
Mr Stephenson, who worked as a shop assistant, was well known in the Aberystwyth LGBTQ+ community as a drag artist performing under the name Dynasty Blake. His family paid tribute, stating he 'lit up every room with his infectiously sunny smile' and 'always knew how to make people laugh.' They added: 'Words can't describe how much pain this devastating loss has caused our family and will, undoubtedly, cause the people that Gareth has met throughout his life.' The family expressed gratitude for the support they received and said they would miss him 'every minute of every day.'
Aberystwyth's LGBTQ+ community described him as someone with a 'heart of gold' who would 'do anything for anyone.'
