THE FAMILY of a Blaina man killed in a car accident have paid tribute to a “loving Father and Husband.”

Shaun Pearce, 46, died following a fatal car crash on Friday May 2 on the Cwmavon Road, near Blaenavon.

A statement released by the family today said: “We as a family are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of a loving Father and Husband.

"We are overwhelmed by the continued support of family, friends and the community.

"He was very well liked and will be deeply missed by many.”

As the inquest into Mr Pearce’s death was formally opened by Gwent coroner David Bowen on Friday, coroner’s officer, David Arnold, recalled how Gwent Police were summoned to reports of a two vehicle traffic collision at 4.18pm on May 2, on the Cwmavon Road, near Blaenavon.

On arrival, officers discovered a male driver, later identified as Mr Pearce, had suffered serious injuries.

The 46-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death given was bilateral rib fractures and hemothorax, caused by blunt trauma.

Mr Pearce was the sole occupant of the Subaru car he was travelling in. The driver of the other vehicle, a red Peugeot 207, was a 23-year-old woman from the Beaufort area who suffered minor injuries and was taken to Nevill hall hospital.

Mr Pearce’s body was released to the family for funeral arrangements and the inquest was adjourned for eight weeks.

Police investigations are still continuing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to ring Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 317.