HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at Truro Cathedral on Monday to pay their last respects to teenage rugby star David Winkler.
David, 18, from Truro died after the motor cycle he was riding was involved in a collision with two other vehicle on a minor road near Truro on April 11.
His family read moving oratories to David who described him as an inspiring and much loved young man who had touched the lives of hundreds of people.
His sister Clair said he had been a pillar of strength throughout their lives. Peter Winkler his father said he was very proud of his son who had filled their lives with joy.
The teenager played rugby for Cornwall and was also captain of the Truro Colts team as well as being a keen swimmer.
He was head boy at Penair School in 2005, as well as being the school's rugby captain - successfully leading an unbeaten tour of South Africa in 2004.
More recently, he was captain of Truro Rugby Club Colts, representing Cornwall on several occasions. David was born in Zimbabwe and was a natural sportsman. He was Zimbabwe national swimming champion for breaststroke in 1999 and was also a Cornwall swimming and athletics finalist on many occasions when he made Cornwall his home in 1999.
He had been studying for his A Levels at Truro College and, in addition, had just passed his National Door Supervisor Certificate as it was his intention to have his own security company after serving as an officer in the armed services.
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