Drag queen who ‘lit up every room’ killed in car crash

A drag queen has died after his car was involved in a crash with a lorry.

Gareth Stephenson, who performed under the name ‘Dynasty Blake’, was remembered by his family as someone who ‘lit up every room with his smile’.

The 35-year-old was killed when his white Hyundai i10 collided with a lorry on the A470 near Llanidloes in Wales late last Sunday.

Gareth’s family said: ‘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.

‘Gareth lit up every room with his infectiously sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh, whether that be through his love for singing, dancing and all things dramatic or just simply being himself.

‘We know that Gareth was well-loved and will be missed by so many people.

‘As a family we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and love that we have received from so many people, and we take comfort knowing that Gareth had such a big impact on so many people.

‘We would like to take this time to thank everyone who was a good friend to Gareth. We are forever grateful for the impact you made on his life.

‘As a family we will use this time to reflect on our memories of Gareth, we will laugh and cry together and will miss Gareth every minute of every day.

‘Gareth will leave a big hole in our lives, and we can’t even begin to come to terms with his unexpected passing.

‘We would ask that people respect our privacy at this time whilst we begin to grieve for our beautiful son and brother.’

Kiki Babs, who starred on stage alongside Gareth before his death, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying: ‘Goodbye was too soon, we shall see each other again someday on stage.

‘You might have to wait a while though. Take care Dynasty Blake (Gareth Stephenson). You was a pain in the a** at times but you always had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.’

Police said: ‘Dyfed-Powys Police attended to a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A470 between Llanidloes and Llandinam at around 10.30pm on Sunday, January 26.

‘The two vehicles involved were a white Hyundai i10 and a white lorry. Sadly, the driver of the Hyundai died at the scene and their next of kin has been informed.’

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