YSTALYFERA: Family’s tribute to ‘beloved’ motorcyclist Mel Austin who died in A4067 crash

The family of a 73-year-old motorcyclist from Ystalyfera who died in a crash on the A4067 have paid tribute to a “devoted husband and soulmate” whose family meant everything to him.

Melvin Austin died on Wednesday 26 August following a road traffic collision on the A4067 near Cray in south Powys, reported at around 11.45am.

In a tribute, his family said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved Melvin Austin, known affectionately as ‘Mel’. For 55 wonderful years, he was a devoted husband and soulmate to his wife Caron, he was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather whose family meant everything to him.

“Mel’s kindness, warmth and love touched the lives of everyone that knew him.”

The family said he leaves behind a childhood friend “whose friendship spanned a lifetime filled with countless memories of their shared love of motorbikes”.

“They both shared a great passion for riding and were avid riders creating many unforgettable experiences together along the way,” they said.

“Mel will be remembered with great affection and missed more than words can say.”

The A4067 links the upper Swansea Valley with Brecon, climbing over the mountain past Craig-y-nos.

Author

Kit Peters

Kit Peters is a journalist and the editor of Swansea Bay News, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire since 2020.