A woman has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the tragic deaths of four paddleboarders in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The incident, which occurred nearly three years ago on the River Cleddau, resulted in the deaths of Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley, with four other survivors.
Dyfed Powys Police announced that Nerys Bethan Lloyd, aged 39 from Aberavon, has been charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Lloyd is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on 3rd December 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.”
The families of the deceased and the survivors have been informed about the development. Mr O’Dwyer, from Port Talbot, Ms Rogers, from Merthyr Tydfil, and Ms Wheatley, of Pontarddulais, lost their lives at the scene, while Ms Powell, from Bridgend, passed away in the hospital on 5th November 2021.
The authorities have urged the public to avoid posting any content that could potentially prejudice the ongoing criminal proceedings.