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Funeral for tourist stabbed in US Mourners gather for 'city's hero'
(about 12 hours later)
The funeral is to be held of a fitness instructor who was stabbed to death while on holiday in the United States. Around 1,000 people gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of a fitness instructor stabbed to death on holiday in America.
Lavern Ritch, 37, from Penarth, had been visiting friends in New Jersey when he was killed by a single stab wound to the heart. Lavern Ritch, 37, from Penarth, had been visiting friends in Margate, New Jersey, when he was killed by a single stab wound to the heart.
It is thought he went to help the victim of a fight. A man has been charged with aggravated manslaughter. At the service at Llandaff Cathedral, friend Helen Veysey described Mr Ritch as "Cardiff's hero, a good Samaritan".
Mr Ritch's family said the afternoon service at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff will be followed by a private burial. It is thought Mr Ritch went to help the victim of a fight. A man has been charged with aggravated manslaughter.
A popular figure in the city, Mr Ritch was voted one of Britain's 50 most eligible bachelors by Company magazine. Eight pallbearers carried his large silver-grey coffin into the cathedral for the service which opened with family member Deborah Morgan-Lewis singing Ave Maria.
He had also been included in the Wales on Sunday newspaper's list of eligible bachelors and appeared on the ITV programme Gladiators in 1998. Ms Veysey, a friend of 16 years, told mourners the Welsh capital's heart had been broken by Mr Ritch's death.
Described by his family as their "ray of light," he was known across the city where he had taught swimming and tennis to hundreds of children in Maindy, Pentwyn and Fairwater. She added: "We can only say goodnight, Lavern, because Cardiff will never say goodbye."
Simon Harris, another close friend, said: "They broke the mould when they made Lavern.
"He was an amazing guy and lived life to the max, giving 100% to everything he did in life - something we should all aspire to."
You don't need a minute's silence, you need a standing ovation Simon Harris, friend
Mr Harris explained the vital role his friend had in his family, especially on Sundays when they met for his mother's curry.
His friend's gift had been being able to connect with anybody, he said, adding: "Obviously, he connected with the ladies a bit better than most of us."
Mr Ritch was voted one of Britain's 50 most eligible bachelors by Company magazine and was included in the Wales on Sunday newspaper's list of eligible bachelors.
He appeared on the ITV programme Gladiators in 1998 and Mr Harris recalled how he had been upset when he was injured on the show.
Mourners smiled as Mr Harris reminded them of Mr Ritch's booming voice and big appetite.
He said: "It speaks volumes that so many are gathered here today in your honour. You don't need a minute's silence, you need a standing ovation."
The service, which closed with Mrs Morgan-Lewis singing Panis Angelicus, was followed by a private burial.
Mr Ritch was popular and well known across the city where he had taught swimming and tennis to hundreds of children in Maindy, Pentwyn and Fairwater.
An inquest was opened in Cardiff last Friday and adjourned until US authorities complete their inquiries.An inquest was opened in Cardiff last Friday and adjourned until US authorities complete their inquiries.
'Altercation''Altercation'
The hearing at Cardiff central police station was told Mr Ritch - who had visited friends in New Jersey every year for the last six years - had flown out to the US on 24 July.The hearing at Cardiff central police station was told Mr Ritch - who had visited friends in New Jersey every year for the last six years - had flown out to the US on 24 July.
He had been staying in the Cherry Hill area of New Jersey and spent the night of Saturday 11 August at restaurants and clubs in Margate, a fairly affluent resort on an island a few miles from Atlantic City. He had been staying in the Cherry Hill area and spent the night of Saturday 11 August at restaurants and clubs in Margate, a fairly affluent resort on an island a few miles from Atlantic City.
South Wales Police Det Chief Inspector Paul Hurley told the hearing Mr Ritch had eaten out late with friends, leaving the restaurant at 2am on the Sunday. South Wales Police Det Chief Inspector Paul Hurley said after a meal with friends, Mr Ritch saw a fight and went to help someone.
He said: "He saw an altercation and went to intervene to break it up. He died of a single stab wound to the chest.
"He suffered a single stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead in hospital at 3.04am." Last Thursday, Robert Davies, 46, appeared in court in relation to Mr Ritch's killing.
Last Thursday, Robert Davies, 46, appeared in court in relation to Mr Ritch's killing and was remanded to the Atlantic County jail.
Wake
Mr Davies has also been charged with possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose and tampering with physical evidence.
The Atlantic County prosecutor said it was up to the grand jury to determine whether there would be an additional charge of murder.
Mr Ritch's family have thanked the police in America and the UK for their "combined efforts and swift action" following the arrest of a man over the death.