A tragic event that led to the deaths of four paddleboarders in Pembrokeshire nearly three years ago has resulted in a 39-year-old woman being charged with gross negligence manslaughter. The incident, which took place on the River Cleddau in Pembrokeshire on October 30, 2021, claimed the lives of Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley, with four other survivors involved.
Dyfed Powys Police announced on Friday that Nerys Bethan Lloyd from Aberavon has been charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act in connection with the tragedy. The accused is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on December 3, 2024. Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie, the senior investigating officer, stated, “Following a lengthy and complex investigation, working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Service, Nerys Lloyd has today been charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and 1 count under the Health and Safety At Work Act.”
He further added, “The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have all been informed. As criminal proceedings are now underway, it is important that there is no reporting, commentary or online posting that could prejudice this case.” The victims of the incident were identified as Mr O’Dwyer from Port Talbot, Ms Rogers from Merthyr Tydfil, Ms Wheatley from Pontarddulais, and Ms Powell from Bridgend, who passed away in the hospital on November 5, 2021.
The development in the case has brought a sense of closure to the families affected by this tragedy. The legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the fateful paddleboarding incident in Pembrokeshire. The court appearance of the accused on the charges of gross negligence manslaughter serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and responsibilities in recreational activities to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.