A 21-year-old man has died following a paddleboarding incident at Llyn Geirionydd, a lake in Eryri National Park near Trefriw, North Wales. Rowan Booth, from Prestatyn, got into difficulty on the water on Tuesday night, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving police, mountain rescue teams, and underwater dive specialists. Despite their efforts, his body was recovered and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Employer Pays Tribute
Booth's employer, DW Property Maintenance of Prestatyn, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of their colleague. The company described him as “not just a valued member of our team—he was family.” They added: “He brought kindness, laughter, loyalty, and genuine friendship into our workplace every single day. He touched the lives of so many people and his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled.”
The tribute continued: “We are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him and for the memories we'll carry with us forever. Rowan will always be remembered not only for his hard work and dedication but for the wonderful person he was and the friend so many of us were lucky enough to have.”
Fundraiser and Family Tributes
A GoFundMe page has been established to raise funds for Booth's funeral. The campaign has already raised nearly £4,000. His sister, Madelaine Booth, shared an emotional tribute: “If you knew him, you'll know he was the kind of person who would do absolutely anything for anyone. No matter what he had going on himself, if someone needed help, he was there. He had the biggest heart, and he touched so many lives without ever asking for anything in return.”
Rowan is survived by his sisters Madelaine and Lydia, and brothers Cameron, Jack, Oliver, and Henry. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief from the local community, with many sharing memories of the young man known for his generosity and kindness.
