It emerged yesterday that Ryan Martel was driving the cab that plunged into a swollen stream when torrential rain led to a country road collapsing on Saturday. A body believed to be his was found on Sunday but his sister, Frankie Chappel, is still missing. (0762598)
POLICE have scaled down the search in Cornwall for Guernsey girl Frankie Chappel.
The 17-year-old was travelling in the back of a Volvo with her brother, Ryan Martel, 26, driving and two passengers in Zennor near St Ives early on Saturday.
The car plunged into a swollen stream after the road they were travelling on collapsed because of flash floods.
Front seat passenger Oliver Gardner, 20, managed to get out and raise the alarm.
The body of a 20-year-old back seat passenger, believed to be Luke Mackin, was discovered on Saturday.
A second male body, believed to be that of Mr Martel, was discovered on a nearby beach on Sunday, but police have yet to confirm his identity.
Former teachers and friends of the siblings say they have fond memories of the pair.
Ryan Martel, who was also known as Ryan Chappel and Ryan Nelson, was born in Guernsey and attended St Sampson’s Infants, Vauvert Primary and St Andrew’s Primary schools.
At Les Beaucamps Secondary he met friend Robert Curgenven, 25, who remembered Mr Martel’s love of cars.
‘He was a reliable and good friend who was always there for you when you needed him,’ he said.
‘Life was always good fun with him around.’
He found out about the accident on Saturday morning.
‘At first I didn’t really believe it and I still don’t, really. He was over here just a few months back sharing a few drinks with me.
‘It is such a shame because they were all so young and Ryan was doing so well in every aspect of his life. I just wish I could have said more things to him when he was over. I’ll never get the chance now.’
Les Beaucamps head teacher Peter Le Cheminant was saddened by the news.
‘He had a good sense of humour and he got on well with other students. I don’t like to hear of anyone’s life ending in that way. It is very sad.’
Retired Les Beaucamps teacher Geoff Moss was Mr Martel’s form tutor.
‘He was a lovely young man,’ he said, ‘very popular and likeable.’
Mr Martel left the school in 1999 and stayed in Guernsey until 2003.
His sister Francesca (Frankie) Chappel attended St Andrew’s Primary from 1998 until 2002.
Retired Year 6 teacher Liz Garton remembered her well.
‘She was very vivacious and enthusiastic. She was very intelligent and always showed a great interest in everything.’
Ms Chappel enjoyed horseriding and spending time outdoors.
Apparently she could be a bit of a handful, but was popular with her classmates.
‘She was lively and bright and she could have gone on to do great things.’
Her friends have been posting on the Guernsey Press website.
‘I can’t believe this has happened,’ wrote Amy.
‘It only feels like yesterday that we were playing in the playground at school. You’re beautiful, caring and loving and such an amazing friend to everyone that knew you.
‘Everyone in Guernsey is thinking about you.’
Article posted on 28th April, 2009 - 11.30am
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