Coroner Demands Urgent Safety Improvements After Three Tragic Deaths at Welsh Waterfalls
A coroner has raised serious safety concerns about a popular Welsh beauty spot following three tragic deaths within just 18 months, calling for immediate action to prevent further fatalities.
Three Lives Lost at Ystradfellte Waterfalls
Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard distressing details about the deaths of three visitors to the Ystradfellte waterfalls in Powys, which form part of a scenic walking trail within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons.
The picturesque location attracts thousands of visitors annually but has now become the site of multiple tragedies that have prompted a formal safety review.
The Tragic Incidents
In January 2023, Rachael Patching, 33, and Helen Patching, 52, from Kent, drowned at Sgwd y Pannwr waterfall during a walking holiday in Wales. The couple, who shared a love of nature and the outdoors, were discovered in the water by a member of the public after their belongings were found on the riverbank.
It is believed one woman slipped and fell while the other entered the water in an attempt to rescue her wife.
Then in June 2024, Corey Longdon, 26, from Gloucester, died after falling while trying to find a shortcut to the waterfall during a walk with his aunt, Lisa Lane. He was airlifted to hospital but had suffered what were described as unsurvivable injuries.
Family Statements and Safety Concerns
A statement read on behalf of Rachael Patching's family in court said: "Losing both Rachael and Helen has been devastating to our family and friends. We don't want another tragic accident at this location, leaving another family to face what we have been through."
Both families raised significant concerns about:
- The non-existent mobile phone signal in the area, making emergency calls impossible
- Insufficient warning signage at dangerous locations
- Confusing path markings that may mislead inexperienced hikers
Coroner's Formal Warning and Recommendations
Assistant coroner Rachel Knight conducted a joint inquest and has now issued a formal report addressed to Natural Resources Wales, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, and other local authorities.
Ms Knight expressed particular concern about the "poor to non-existent" phone signal at many of the busiest and most remote locations where serious incidents occur, stating that "a solution to this issue should be considered."
She also noted that paths are not clearly explained for visitors with minimal hiking experience and that signs informing people of closures are in "suboptimal positions."
Authorities' Response and Safety Measures
Catherine Mealing-Jones, chief executive of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, stated that both signage and social media channels are used to raise awareness of safety issues. She expressed satisfaction that the most common access points have correct signage but warned that additional measures like lifebuoy rings could create new dangers or encourage swimming.
Samuel Jones, representing Natural Resources Wales, highlighted that there has been "significant investment, new routes and fencing" put in place near the site of Mr Longdon's fall to improve safety.
"These organisations do take their responsibilities very seriously and they have to balance their responsibilities with the need to preserve the environment in these locations," he added. "The ultimate reality of a place like this is that people can go where they choose to go and understand the risk in doing so."
Ongoing Safety Review
The coroner has made it clear that more safety measures need to be implemented to prevent future deaths on this popular walking route. The formal report represents a significant intervention that places responsibility on multiple authorities to address the identified safety shortcomings.
As thousands continue to visit these waterfalls each year, the balance between preserving natural beauty and ensuring visitor safety remains a pressing challenge for authorities in Wales.
