A married couple tragically drowned after falling into a waterfall while hiking at a picturesque beauty spot in Wales during their New Year holiday, a coroner's inquest has been told. Rachael Patching, aged 33, and her wife Helen, 52, are believed to have slipped on wet rocks as they admired the cascading waters in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
New Year Holiday Ends in Tragedy
The pair, who had married seven years earlier in a traditional white wedding ceremony, had travelled approximately 200 miles from their home in Sevenoaks, Kent, to enjoy a holiday in the great outdoors. They were undertaking a five-mile walk described as moderate to challenging in January 2023 when the disaster occurred at the dramatic Sgwyd Isaf Clun Gwyn waterfall.
Rescue Attempt and Discovery
Assistant Glamorgan coroner Rachel Knight stated that the scope of the inquest would include examining the safety of paths around the waterfalls to help prevent future deaths. Both women were known to be keen wild water swimmers, but their families emphasised they would not have entered the river at that time of year due to the frigid water temperatures.
The inquest heard it was likely that one of the women slipped into the icy water, with her wife then getting into difficulties while attempting a rescue. Other walkers raised the alarm after spotting the women deceased in the water, with a rucksack and walking poles discovered nearby.
Police Response and Recovery
Police were deployed to Ystradfellte Falls on the rugged Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Officers located the couple's car in a nearby car park within an area famously known and advertised as Waterfall Country, which attracts around 250,000 visitors annually.
The accident happened on 4 January 2023 at the Sgwyd Y Pannwr waterfall. Helen Patching's body was recovered by police the following day. Rachael's body was found downstream by a kayaker four days later. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that both women had drowned.
Safety Concerns and Previous Incidents
The inquests were informed that signs are present along way-marked trails, warning walkers of previous fatalities and accidents in the River Neath, which is known for its strong underwater currents. Mountain leader and tourist guide Andrew Lamb, a veteran of the trails around the waterfalls, called for well-maintained footpaths and a designated circular clockwise route around the waterfalls.
He told the hearing: 'It needs to be a well-surfaced route with signposts all the way. If you go to Europe, that's what you'll find because authorities make it safe for visitors.'
Coroner's Findings and Apology
Coroner Ms Knight apologised to the families, acknowledging that the inquest would have reopened painful wounds three years after their loved ones drowned. She stated: 'I find it is likely that Helen and Rachael were well equipped for hiking with rucksacks, walking poles and suitable outdoor attire. It is unlikely they were there for any wild swimming. Their shoes were not left behind. It is more likely that one lady entered the water accidentally and the other took off her rucksack to attempt a rescue.'
Recommendations for Improvement
Ms Knight emphasised that emergency phones to report incidents should be installed and improvements made to pathways and signage. She confirmed she would be issuing a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths Report following the tragic loss of the married couple and the death of walker Corey Longdon, 26, from Gloucester, at the same location a year later.
Personal Tributes and Backgrounds
The inquest in Pontypridd heard that Helen worked with the prison and probation service and possessed a vigorous love of the outdoors and adventure. Rachael was a police conduct investigator and volunteered at Battersea Dogs' home, where a plaque was erected in her memory.
The court was told both women were vegans, passionate about animal welfare, and proud members of the LGBT community. The families of the couple paid a moving joint tribute, describing them as a truly admirable credit to themselves and society.
Family Statement
Their family said: 'We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss following the news of Rachael and Helen's passing at just 33 and 52. They were such a devoted, selfless, and loving couple having had an immensely positive impact on all those they met. Their love for animals and dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made them a truly admirable credit to themselves and society. Their endless laughter will be forever remembered by all who had the honour to know them. There are no words that can express enough how highly they were both thought of by family members, friends, and colleagues.'
Ongoing Safety Issues
In her concluding recommendations, Coroner Ms Knight highlighted: 'I am concerned that the phone signal is poor to non-existent at many of the busiest and most remote locations where most serious incidents occur. A solution to this issue should be considered so that help can be summoned as quickly as possible. I am concerned that the paths are not sufficiently clearly explained for members of the public with minimal hiking experience. It is concerning that people do not understand what the waypoint markers relate to and that leads me to the view that better and perhaps more frequently placed explanations are required.'
