Concerns over safety have intensified following the deaths of three individuals in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, a popular destination for walkers. In January 2023, married couple Helen Patching, 52, and Rachael Patching, 33, tragically drowned in a section of the park known as ‘Waterfall Country’. Less than 18 months later, on June 26, 2024, Corey Longdon, 26, also lost his life in the same area, raising alarms about the risks associated with the popular walking paths.
The couple, who married in 2015, were enjoying a holiday in the park when they entered the water along the Four Waterfalls Walk. Their bodies were discovered in the Ystradfellte area after witnesses alerted authorities. Helen’s body was recovered on January 5, 2023, followed by Rachael’s on January 8. The inquest revealed that both women were believed to have entered the water, with their cause of death officially recorded as “drowning”.
Less than 18 months later, Corey Longdon fell into the water while camping in the area with his aunt. Despite being rescued and airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, he could not be revived. His cause of death was determined to be “severe hypoxia due to a traumatic cardiac arrest following a fall”.
Inquest Highlights Safety Risks
A combined inquest into the three fatalities was conducted at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court on January 22, 2024. Coroner Rachel Knight highlighted the experiences of the deceased. The Patching family described Helen as an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for adventure, and Rachael as someone who thrived in nature. In their statement, the families suggested that one of the women may have fallen in while attempting to assist the other.
Witness accounts revealed that the alarm was raised when another walker spotted a body in the water. Following their disappearance, the couple’s vehicle was located in a nearby car park, along with personal items at the water’s edge.
Corey Longdon’s aunt provided testimony about the circumstances surrounding his death, mentioning that he was searching for a shortcut when he fell. She recounted hearing a splash and a call for help, leading to the tragic outcome.
Management and Communication Concerns
During the inquest, the chief executive officer of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Catherine Mealing-Jones, stated that a specific path known as ‘path 86’ was temporarily closed in 2022 and subsequently made permanent in 2024 due to safety concerns. Mountain leader Andrew Lamb testified that the signage indicating the closure was insufficiently descriptive, emphasizing the ongoing dangers of the area.
Mr. Lamb noted that the park attracts approximately 300,000 visitors annually, many of whom may lack adequate hiking experience. His recommendation included the need for a clear circular route and better management plans to guide visitors away from hazards.
In light of these tragedies, Coroner Knight disclosed plans to issue a new Regulation 28 Report, aimed at preventing future deaths by addressing identified risks. This report, which will be sent to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and local authorities, follows a previous alert concerning the area in 2023 that led to new signage being erected.
Knight expressed her condolences to the families, stating, “I am so sorry that you have tragically lost loved ones in the prime of their lives.” Her comments underscored the need for enhanced safety measures in the national park, particularly given the poor mobile phone signal in the region, which complicates emergency response efforts.
As the community mourns the loss of these individuals, the focus now shifts to improving safety protocols and ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park without undue risk.
