A 20-year-old man died after jumping into water at a beauty spot in Powys, an inquest has heard. Bradleigh Williams, from Trealaw, Rhondda, shouted for help after leaping more than 20 feet into the water at Pontneddfechan on 24 July.
Emergency services took about 30 minutes to retrieve him from the water. He was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales in cardiac arrest and died in the operating theatre later that night.
Coroner Graeme Hughes recorded a conclusion of death by misadventure, warning that any jump from height into water carries risks. He said Mr Williams was not a strong swimmer and struggled after entering the water.
Mr Williams's girlfriend, Amyleigh Tilley, told the inquest in Pontypridd that he had smoked cannabis about two hours before the jump and taken amphetamines the night before. She said he seemed nervous and had worked himself up before jumping, despite encouragement from her and her uncle.
After jumping, Ms Tilley said he was unable to stay afloat and it was as if 'something was gripping him from underneath'. Passing mountain bikers attempted to rescue him but were unsuccessful.
The coroner said cannabis was unlikely to have been a major contributing factor. He offered condolences to the family and said there was no blame attached to Mr Williams's actions.
