Remembering the Flintshire and Wrexham people we lost in 2022

Here, we remember some of the people who are gone but never forgotten. 

Ted Edwards

In October, Wrexham's last surviving D-Day veteran died aged 97.

Ted, who grew up in Rhostyllen, was awarded numerous medals, including the French Legion of Honour award, the highest French Order of Merit.

He served with the Green Howards and landed on Normandy beach during the second World War.

Aria Hodgkiss

Four-year-old Aria, from Rhostyllen, bravely fought a brain tumour for 18 months, after being diagnosed on the day of her third birthday. 

Her story captured the hearts of the people of Wrexham, and beyond. She sadly died on December 1. 

Adam Bradshaw

Amateur football clubs across Wrexham paid tribute to "local legend", Adam, after his tragic sudden death. 

The 37-year-old father-of-two from Caia Park played for FC Queens Park and a host of other clubs. 

Nigel Williams

One of Wrexham's most much-loved fans, Nigel died suddenly in October. 

The 59-year-old could regularly be seen celebrating the Reds' goals topless in the Tech End of the ground.

Hundreds of people paid tribute to Nigel, who was said to be "the life and soul of every party".

Reg Herbert

A former editor of The Leader, who was honoured by The Queen for his services to journalism and his dedication to the community he served, Reg died at the age of 85 after a short illness.

He worked for the Wrexham and Evening Leader from 1959 until his retirement on his 65th birthday and was surprised and delighted when he received an MBE in The Queen’s birthday honours list.

Dee Roberts

Dee, who "spent a lifetime caring for others", died suddenly abroad on holiday.

The 66-year-old had just retired after working a variety of roles for Flintshire Council, some of which included working as a dinner lady at Connah's Quay High, and helping to run playschemes in the town in the summer. 

As a testament to her character, hundreds of people paid tribute to her on social media after news broke of her death. 

Ffion Davies 

"Beautiful" Ffion Davies, from Greenfield, near Holywell, died in August after battling Cystic Fibrosis all her life. She is fondly remembered by all who knew her. 

A former pupil at Ysgol Treffynon (Holywell), the 16-year-old was due to start college in September and wanted to pursue a career in nursing. 

Her family described her as an "amazing, family-orientated girl" who "had the most infectious smile you could ever see". 

Jamie Wynne 

In September, tributes poured in following the tragic death of the former Connah's Quay Nomads FC player and coach.

Jamie, 28, was an "incredibly talented footballer" and is described as being "a genuine, loveable lad and great man" who is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Morgan Probyn 

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Mynydd Isa and was living in Flint with his long-term partner and "soulmate", Elin, had a "lust for life that was second to none".

He had been feeling unwell since the Covid pandemic, but his family and friends were without answers after his sudden death on October 11.

Lacie Jade Roberts

The 13-year-old from Flint was one of two victims of a horror crash which involved a BMW at the junction of the A548 and A5026 in Bagillt on April 22.

"I can't express in words just how amazing Lacie was, I really can't," her mum, Kieley, said in tribute. 

Chloe Haynes 

The 21-year-old from Wrexham died after reportedly being crushed by a wardrobe at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool on September 10.

Three men were initially arrested in connection with the tragedy, which was treated as “unexplained”, but later released without charge when a post mortem concluded that she had died as a result of “accidental death”.

Roz Durkin 

The 53-year-old fought bowel cancer for a number of years - before it tragically spread to her pelvis, lungs and her brain.

Roz, from Broughton, worked as a receptionist at Buckley Leisure Centre for around 15 years - in which time she became a very popular figure amongst colleagues and members of the public.