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Mourners gather for 'city's hero' | |
(about 12 hours later) | |
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 Margate, New Jersey, when he was killed by a single stab wound to the heart. | |
At the service at Llandaff Cathedral, friend Helen Veysey described Mr Ritch as "Cardiff's hero, a good Samaritan". | |
It is thought Mr Ritch went to help the victim of a fight. A man has been charged with aggravated manslaughter. | |
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. | |
Ms Veysey, a friend of 16 years, told mourners the Welsh capital's heart had been broken by Mr Ritch's death. | |
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 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 said after a meal with friends, Mr Ritch saw a fight and went to help someone. | |
He died of a single stab wound to the chest. | |
Last Thursday, Robert Davies, 46, appeared in court in relation to Mr Ritch's killing. | |