Woman charged over deaths of four people who died in River Cleddau paddleboarding tragedy

A woman has been charged in connection with the deaths of four people after a paddleboarding incident in Wales.

Paul O'Dwyer, 42, Andrea Powell, 41, Morgan Rogers, 24, and Nicola Wheatley, 40, died after they got into difficulty on the River Cleddau, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on 30 October 2021.

Police say there were four survivors of the incident.

Officers confirmed Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Aberavon, has been charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

She is due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court on 3 December.

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS's special crime division, said the charges "relate to a commercial paddleboarding river tour on 30 October 2021, where four of the group became trapped in Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically lost their lives".

Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie, from Dyfed-Powys Police, said the force had conducted a "lengthy and complex investigation" into the incident.

He said officers had worked "closely" with the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have all been informed," he added.

"As criminal proceedings are now underway it is important that there is no reporting, commentary or online posting that could prejudice this case."

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After the incident, Ms Wheatley's family paid tribute to her and said her death had "left a void in [their] lives that will never be filled".

Ms Rogers' family said she was the "best that she could be" and would be "sadly missed".

Mr O'Dwyer was described by his family as "a devoted husband, father, son and brother", whose "passion for the water" began at an early age.

Ms Powell was someone who "loved life", her family said, as they thanked those who had shown them support.

(c) Sky News 2024: Woman charged over deaths of four people who died in River Cleddau paddleboarding tragedy