Family Members of 4 Victims in Paddleboarding Tragedy Share Stories of Grief
The families of four individuals tragically killed in a devastating paddleboarding incident have expressed their deep sorrow and loss following the heartbreaking event. Nerys Bethan Lloyd, a former police officer, led a stand-up paddleboarding excursion on the River Cleddau, despite severe weather warnings and extremely hazardous conditions present on that fateful day. The incident occurred in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in October 2021, resulting in the loss of four precious lives – Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley.
Lloyd, who was later sentenced to 10 years and six months in jail at Swansea Crown Court, failed to inform the group about a dangerous weir with a 1.3m drop along the route, nor did she provide guidance on how to navigate it. The victims were swept over the weir and tragically trapped under the fast-moving water, leading to their untimely deaths. In the aftermath, Lloyd placed blame on Mr. O’Dwyer, who assisted as an instructor during the excursion. However, family members of the deceased have spoken out against Lloyd, expressing their anguish and frustration at the tragic loss they have endured.
Theresa Hall, the mother of Morgan Rogers, tearfully shared her pain, stating that losing her daughter, her best friend, has left an irreplaceable void in her life. She described the profound impact of losing a child due to someone else’s actions, highlighting the lasting trauma and heartbreak it has caused. Similarly, Darren Wheatley, Nicola Wheatley’s husband, attributed his wife’s death solely to Lloyd’s actions, emphasising that the loss of Nicola has left their family shattered.
In a court statement, Mr. Wheatley described Lloyd as a “stone-cold, heartless individual,” condemning her lack of remorse and insensitivity following the tragic incident. Ceri O’Dwyer, the wife of Paul O’Dwyer, acknowledged his mistake in judgment but maintained that he should not bear unreasonable blame for the tragedy. These heart-wrenching testimonies from the victims’ families shed light on the immeasurable grief and suffering caused by Lloyd’s negligence.
Throughout the court proceedings, Lloyd accepted responsibility for the deaths, expressing deep remorse for the lives lost due to her actions. Her defence counsel quoted her acknowledging her full blame for the incident, recognising the profound impact on the families affected. Despite this acknowledgment, the pain and devastation endured by the victims’ families remain immeasurable, with no sentence able to alleviate their profound loss.
The judge presiding over the case emphasised the egregious negligence displayed by Lloyd, noting the lack of safety measures, failure to provide essential information to the group, and disregard for weather warnings and river conditions. The judge highlighted Lloyd’s disregard for safety protocols, despite her background as a former police officer and volunteer for the RNLI. Lloyd’s sentencing of 10 years and six months serves as a sombre reminder of the consequences of her actions and the devastating impact on the victims’ families.
Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie of Dyfed-Powys Police reiterated that no sentence could ever replace the lives lost or erase the trauma inflicted on the survivors. Lisa Rose, a specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasised Lloyd’s profound negligence and failure to adhere to safety standards, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. The sentencing of Nerys Bethan Lloyd serves as a warning of the grave consequences of neglecting safety protocols in activities that carry inherent risks.
The profound loss experienced by the families of the four victims in the paddleboarding tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and adhering to guidelines in outdoor recreational activities. The devastating impact of Lloyd’s negligence underscores the critical need for accountability and responsibility in ensuring the well-being and security of individuals participating in such excursions. The heartfelt testimonies of the victims’ families reflect the enduring pain and sorrow that will forever mark the lives of those affected by this tragic event.