Ben Muskett, pictured with his partner Ambra Finotello, was from Bethesda but lived in Llanidloes
The family of a music teacher who died in a road traffic accident have paid tribute, calling him "larger than life, and full of energy and enthusiasm".
Ben Muskett, 25, originally from Bethesda, Gwynedd, died on the A470 at Ganllwyd, Dolgellau on Friday evening.
He was head of music at Llanidloes High School, Powys, and taught piano at the Canolfan William Mathias centre in Caernarfon.
The centre described him as a very accomplished musician.
In a statement, his family said: "Ben was larger than life, and full of energy and enthusiasm.
"He will leave a huge void in so many people's lives.
"He excelled at whatever he put his mind to and was passionate about music and teaching."
He was a "loving son and brother", who was "utterly devoted" to his partner Ambra Finotello, they added.
Mr Muskett was a former pupil at Ysgol Friars, Bangor, and studied music at Manchester University before he trained to be a teacher at Bangor University.
Sioned Webb, artistic director at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias in Caernarfon, said: "He was a musical firework, a shooting star, a handsome whirlwind.
"I am personally devastated and it's no exaggeration to say that Wales has lost one of her finest budding musicians."
'Hugely respected'
Ms Webb added that Mr Muskett was "a very accomplished musician, a pianist and tutor of the highest standard, and a young man of integrity and strong beliefs".
She said he had many plans and was in the process of establishing a "satellite" of the Caernarfon music centre in Llanidloes.
All his pupils "adored" him, she added.
Mr Muskett was travelling from Caernarfon to his home in Llanidloes on Friday.
Darren Davies, head teacher of Llanidloes High, said Mr Muskett was "extremely talented, hugely respected, popular, hard-working and enthusiastic".
"It is very difficult at the moment to image life in Llanidloes High School without his infectious personality and charismatic presence.
"He was a genuine and natural motivator of children," he added.
"He had enthusiasm and energy in abundance and an excellent sense of humour. His contribution to school and community life was phenomenal."
Mr Davies said news of the death would have "a profound effect on the school and its community for many years to come".
An inquest into Mr Muskett's death has been opened and adjourned.
Anyone with information about the collision, which happened just after 2200 GMT on Friday, is asked to contact PC444 Richards at Llandygai policing unit on 07769951617 or North Wales Police on 0845 6071001 (Welsh language) or 0834 6071002 (English language).
- Published15 January 2011
