Pensioner, 86, died in head-on crash that also claimed the lives of couple who had retired to Wales months earlier

An 86-year-old man and a pensioner couple were killed in a head-on collision in east Wales.

The couple, previously named David and Pamela Richardson, had just moved to the countryside from Merseyside months before the tragic collision on December 11.

The third person who died in the accident was 86-year-old John Pryce Jones.

He was driving his Audi A4 on the A489 near the border village of Snead, between Church Stoke in Powys and Lydham in Shropshire.

Mr Pryce Jones tragically collided with a Toyota Yaris coming from the opposite direction on a narrow country road.

In addition to him, the married couple Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, who were in the Yaris, also died in the collision.

However, one person involved in the accident managed to survive; This man is believed to be the son of Mr and Mrs Richardson and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police are investigating the accident, but it is believed that one of the vehicles overtook a tractor and crashed into an oncoming vehicle.

Officers noted that a tractor with a front attachment was located on the same road as the fatal incident.

Pamela and David Richardson died from head injuries in a crash near the England-Wales border just months after retiring to the country there.

His family said Mr Pryce Jones was a ‘larger than life’ character and was known locally as ‘Thiabendazole’, an anti-parasitic drug.

His family added: ‘We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us at this very difficult time.

‘Your compassionate words and actions were very valuable to us.

‘John was from mid-Wales and lived at the Craven Arms. ‘He was an outstanding character, well known to many and will be greatly missed by all.’

David and Pamela’s family said: ‘David and Pamela were loving members of our family. ‘They were both very special to all of us.’

The couple retired from Merseyside to the countryside around the Wales-England border near Churchstoke earlier this year.

Their family said: ‘David and Pamela moved to the area earlier this year to enjoy their retirement.

‘We would like to thank everyone for their support at this terrible time. It meant a lot to the whole family.

The crash happened here on the A489 between Churchstoke and Lydham and police believe a tractor was overtaken at the time

‘We now ask for time to grieve and to be given privacy to do so.’

A police spokesman said: ‘Approx. On Thursday 11 December 2025 at 16.50 Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of a serious RTC on the A489 between Churchstoke and Lydham. The location is known locally as Snead.

‘The vehicles that collided were a gray Audi A4 and a red Toyota Yaris.

‘At the time of the collision, a blue tractor with a front attachment was traveling on the same road.

‘Unfortunately, two people in the Toyota Yaris and the driver of the Audi A4 suffered fatal injuries.

‘Another passenger in the Yaris was also seriously injured and was transported to hospital by Air Ambulance.

‘Next relatives have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

‘An investigation is ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or any of the vehicles at the time, or if they had dashcams traveling on that road at the relevant time, to contact them.

‘If you have any information that might help with your questions please get in touch.’