Three Lives Lost at Iconic Waterfall Beauty Spot: Safety Warning Issued as Inquest Raises Alarm

Ystradfellte, Wales — A serene and scenic waterfall site in south Wales known widely as Waterfall Country has become the focus of intense scrutiny after three visitors lost their lives there in separate incidents over the past 18 months. The tragedies have prompted a senior coroner to issue a warning about safety at this popular beauty spot and call for urgent improvements to reduce future fatalities. �

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Waterfall Country, located near the village of Ystradfellte in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly the Brecon Beacons), attracts hundreds of thousands of walkers, hikers and nature lovers every year. Its dramatic waterfalls, tranquil pools, and forested paths have made it one of the most visited natural attractions in Wales. But these breathtaking landscapes also conceal hidden dangers—especially in areas where water currents are strong, paths are uneven, and mobile phone signals are unreliable. �

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Tragedies That Shocked a Community

The first of the fatal incidents occurred in January 2023, when a married couple from Kent—Rachael (33) and Helen Patching (52)—embarked on a walking holiday in Waterfall Country. The pair were reported missing after failing to return from their trek, sparking a search by members of the public and emergency services. Their bodies were later found near the Sgwd y Pannwr waterfall. The circumstances suggested that one of the women had slipped into the water and the other entered in an attempt to help. Both were found fully clothed with their walking gear, indicating that they had not planned to swim. �

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Nearly 18 months later, on June 26, 2024, another visitor, 26-year-old Corey Longdon from Gloucester, died after falling while exploring the same network of trails. According to witness accounts, Longdon had separated from his aunt to search for what he thought was a shortcut. A loud splash and cries for help were heard soon after. He was airlifted to hospital but later died from injuries sustained from a significant fall and subsequent trauma. �

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All three deaths were ruled accidental by the coroner, but similarities in the circumstances—particularly concerning dangerous terrain, challenging conditions, and human error—have raised serious questions about visitor safety at the site. �

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Coroner Issues Sharp Warning

At a joint inquest hearing held at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court, Assistant Coroner Rachel Knight described the occurrence of three deaths at the same beauty spot within 18 months as “unusual” and deeply concerning. She highlighted a range of issues that could contribute to accidents, including:

Poor or non-existent mobile phone signal, making it difficult for visitors to call for help in emergencies.

Confusing signposting and insufficient warnings about hazardous areas.

Trail routes that are not clearly explained, potentially misleading those with limited hiking experience.

Closed paths and waymarkers that, if not clearly indicated, may misdirect walkers into unsafe terrain. �

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Coroner Knight stressed that these factors are not trivial: “The area’s mobile signal can be 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.” She also expressed concerns over signposts that are placed in “suboptimal positions” and may be easily overlooked by visitors. �

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In her formal Prevention of Future Deaths Report, the coroner has called on multiple authorities—including Natural Resources Wales, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, and relevant local councils—to review safety protocols and implement measures that can better protect visitors. �

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Calls for Better Safety and Visitor Information

Families of the deceased have voiced their own concerns and grief publicly. Rachael and Helen Patching’s relatives described the loss as devastating and urged action to ensure no other families endure similar tragedies. Meanwhile, Corey Longdon’s aunt recounted the last moments before his fall, emphasizing how quickly enjoyment turned into disaster. �

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Local rescue and park officials acknowledge the challenges but have emphasised the difficulty of balancing environmental preservation with visitor safety. Catherine Mealing-Jones, Chief Executive of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, said in a statement that they are “satisfied that the trail’s most common access points have adequate signage,” but added that introducing lifesaving equipment or excessive built infrastructure might inadvertently encourage risk-taking. She explained that lifebuoy rings, for example, could suggest that swimming is permitted, potentially increasing danger. �

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Representatives from Natural Resources Wales noted that investments have been made in improving safety through new trail routes and fencing where necessary. A strategic safety advisory group meets regularly to discuss ongoing management of the area and fatality prevention strategies. �

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Visitors Urged to Exercise Caution

Experts and experienced walk leaders who frequently navigate the Waterfall Country trails advise visitors to take sensible precautions:

Stay on designated paths and adhere to all posted warnings.

Check weather and trail conditions before setting out—water levels and terrain can change quickly.

Inform someone of your intended route and expected return time.

Carry a map and compass, as reliance on mobile navigation may not be possible.

Despite its beauty, the waterfall trails feature steep drops, slippery rocks, and fast-flowing water, which can be deceptively hazardous even for seasoned hikers. �

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Looking Ahead: Accountability and Safety Improvements

The inquest’s outcome and the coroner’s recommendations mark a key moment in addressing public safety at natural attractions. With visitor numbers estimated at around 250,000 walkers per year, the need to strike an effective balance between open access to nature and adequate safety infrastructure has never been more pressing. �

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Park authorities and local councils are expected to respond formally to the Prevention of Future Deaths Report. Whether this will include enhanced mobile coverage, clearer directional signage, better emergency response systems, or changes to how trail information is communicated remains to be seen. What is clear is that the loss of three lives at one beauty spot has catalysed a crucial conversation about how to protect people while preserving the natural splendor that draws them there in the first place