Man who survived Cardiff killer crash is pictured for first time after pal pays tribute to 3 dead friends
A SURVIVOR of the Cardiff killer crash was pictured for the first time after his pal paid tribute to their three dead friends.
Shane Loughlin, 32, was seen smiling in a snap that a friend posted to Facebook.
His pal captioned the post ‘Shane Loughlin’ accompanied by two red hearts as they pointed towards the camera.
Shane was pulled alive from the wreckage of a white VW Tiguan alongside Sophie Russon, 20, on March 6.
Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21 and Rafel Jeanne, 24, were all killed in the March 4 crash.
Shane and his friends were reported missing after not returning home from a night out in Newport, Wales.
A search was launched after their families became concerned, saying it was “out of character” for them to go off the radar.
Tragically, on March 6 cops confirmed a car was found on the A48 near Cardiff, with three of the five occupants tragically killed.
The Volkswagen Tiguan had flown off the road and into trees.
Their car was found 46 hours later – with Shane and Sophie fighting for their lives for two days while laying amongst the bodies of their pals.
Shane and fellow survivor Sophie were taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
The wreckage was found by Matthew Pace, 45, and his son Lewis – a close pal of Rafel.
Sophie was semi-conscious in the wreckage for two days.
It comes after Sophie paid tribute to her “besties forever” in a moving post.
She posted a picture of herself to Facebook with her late friends and the caption: “Love you both so much.”
Sophie is currently recovering in hospital after life-saving surgery for a broken skull and brain bleed.
More than a month on from the nightmare Sophie’s mum, Anna Certowicz, said her daughter is now “awake, eating and talking” and added that “miracles do happen.”
Shane had previously given an update on his condition less than a week after the horror crash.
Thanking everyone who searched for him and his friends he said: “
Only just found out what happened. Just want to say sorry to everyone and thank you everyone who helped with the search party.
“Thank you for everyone wishing me well. I’ll be back soon. Love you all.
“Rip Rafel, Eve and Darcy. Can’t believe it. Gutted is an understatement.
“My heart goes out to all families and friends of the people that passed.
“Long way to recover mentally and physically but we’ll get there.”