Hundreds pay tribute to ‘true gentleman’ Arpad, 18

Children, dressed in black and holding flowers, lined Armthorpe Road yesterday for the funeral of the popular Slovakian-born 18-year-old.

Described as someone who could get on with anyone, and a friend to people of all races and nationalities, many of the borough’s communities were represented at yesterday’s funeral, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Armthorpe in South Yorkshire. More than 100 people viewed the service from the street outside the church, due to the high number of mourners in attendance.

Rebecca Staples, headteacher of Danum Academy, where Arpad – known as Cici to his loved ones – was a pupil, remained composed as she delivered a poignant eulogy to the tragic teen. She said: “I think the fact there are so many here today speaks volumes about how much he was loved.”

Arpad, along with 16-year-olds Jordanna Goodwin, Megan Storey and Blake Cairns and 18-year-old Bartosz Bortniczak all died following a two-car collision in Sheffield Road, Conisbrough on November 15.

A service for Blake was due to take place this morning. Four of the five were students at Danum Academy, while Bartosz was a former pupil.