Staff and pupils at Llanidloes High School were stunned today at the death in a car crash of their 25 year old Head Of Music - Ben Muskett.
He died in a road accident on the A470, near a mountain biking centre at Canolfan Coed y Brenin, Ganllwyd, on the outskirts of Dolgellau on Friday on his way home to Llanidloes.
Only one vehicle was involved in the incident. Emergency crews from the fire police and ambulance services attended but Mr Muskett was pronounced dead at the scene.
A North Wales Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We took the initial call at 22.19pm from the ambulance service and sent two appliances from Dolgellau and Barmouth.”
Twelve firefighters used light hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the casualty from the car and the spokeswoman confirmed there was no other vehicle involved.
The Wales Ambulance Service sent two crews to the scene but their services were not required.
An ambulance service spokesman said: “Mr Muskett was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Llanidloes High School Head Mr Darren Davies paid tribute to Mr Muskett saying, "Ben was an extremely talented, hugely respected, popular, hard-working and enthusiastic member of staff with the pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community.
"It is very difficult at the moment to imagine life in Llanidloes High School without his infectious personality and charismatic presence. He was a genuine and natural motivator of children.
"Ben was a rising star in the school and had an outstanding career ahead of him. He was promoted to Head of Music shortly after starting with us and I have no doubt that he would have progressed further.
"He had enthusiasm and energy in abundance and an excellent sense of humour. His contribution to school and community life was phenomenal.
"His untimely passing has devastated the area and will have a profound effect on the school and its community for many years to come.
"Our deepest sympathies are with his family. "
Over 400 people have already signed up to a Facebook group "We will miss Ben Muskett"