HUNDREDS of tearful mourners gathered at a village church to celebrate the life of a young man who died after falling from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

St John’s Church in Rhosymedre was packed for the funeral of 18-year-old Kris McDowell with the Rev Kate Tiltman leading a moving ceremony.

Flowers arranged in the shape of a heart adorned the white coffin as it was carried into the church.

A heartfelt eulogy was read by Darrell Wright, of Splash Magic, where Kris volunteered as a lifeguard.

Mr Wright said: “This ranks as one of the most difficult and sad days of my life, but it should also be viewed as a celebration of the life of a young man who touched everyone he met.

“I don’t think I have met anyone who had a bad word to say about Kris. 

“Our paths crossed late in 2014 and I used to see this young man with others his age around the leisure centre. 

“He was quiet and he was always polite, never cheeky, and he was a joy to speak to.

“He gelled immediately with us all. The number of people who have phoned me this week saying how distraught they are at the sad news is unbelievable.

“Everyone without fail remarked on politeness and his willingness to help. 

“Many people have asked me what stands out since we reopened the centre and I have always said my proudest moment has been with Kris and the connection we had.

“I hope in our short time together, we helped him and he certainly helped me. I will never forget this young man and his family should be proud of the way he turned out. We will always remember you Kris. God bless you.”

Kris’s dad John also paid an emotional tribute to his “bike-mad” son. He said: “Although Kris was only 18, he achieved more in those years than most people do in 100. 

“He touched the hearts of many, which is shown by the number of tributes left for him.

“I am so proud of Kris for the man he became. I would like to say it’s all down to me but it wasn’t. It was down to his mum, Sam. 

“She brought him up to be a kind, loving gentleman. Thank you.”

Mrs Tiltman read from Corinthians chapter 13 and the congregation sang Morning Has Broken and All Things Bright and Beautiful, and said the Lord’s Prayer.

Kris’s coffin was carried from the church to the strains of Fast Car by Tracy Chapman before committal at Pentrebychan Crematorium.

He leaves behind mother Sam, 45, father John, 45, sister Hannah, 20, his 20-month-old niece, Freya, and grandparents, Chris, 65, and Derek Withington, 68.

An inquest into his death was opened in Ruthin earlier this month by John Gittins, coroner for North Wales East and Central.

Scores of tributes have continued to be placed at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Kris’s memory.

Cards, flowers and messages from family and friends line the top of the 120ft high Unesco World Heritage Site, as well as a uniform from Kris’ colleagues at McDonald’s in Chirk.