Woman arrested as fourth person dies after paddleboarding incident
POLICE have confirmed that a woman has been arrested in connection with the tragic paddleboard incident in Haverfordwest, following the death of a fourth person.
Nine adults from south Wales travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddleboarding excursion on the River Cleddau on Saturday, October 30. An alarm was raised shortly after 9am, following reports of people in distress on the river. Three people died at the scene.
Andrea Powell was taken to Withybush Hospital in a critical condition but Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed in the early hours of Saturday this weekend that the 41-year-old from Bridgend had died.
The force also confirmed that a woman was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, but has since been released under investigation.
A statement from Dyfed-Pwys Police read: “Following the incident on the Cleddau river in Haverfordwest on Saturday, October 30, we can confirm a woman from the south Wales area has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter as part of the investigation. She has been released under investigation.
“Sadly, we can also confirm that 41-year-old Andrea Powell from the Bridgend area, who was in hospital following the incident, has now died.
“Our thoughts are with her family and all those involved in this tragic incident.”
Former soldier Paul O’Dwyer, 42, from Sandfields in Port Talbot, was the first victim to be named. His friends paid tribute to Mr O’Dwyer, a prolific charity fundraiser, who was said to have lost his life trying to rescue others in trouble.
Toxicology expert Nicola Wheatley 40, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, died alongside Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil.
In a statement, Nicola’s family said: “We are devastated by our loss. Nicola was a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife. Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. She was amazing in every way. She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
Colleagues of Nicola’s added in a statement: “Nikki began her employment with Cardiff And Vale UHB in July, 2006, as a specialist in poisons information with the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), Cardiff, having begun her toxicology career with Guys and St Thomas’, London.
“A highly experienced member of the 24/7 telephone inquiry team, Nikki provided advice to healthcare professionals managing poisoned patients. She will be remembered for her calm, friendly and totally professional manner – even when faced with the most difficult of cases.
“Nikki was an enthusiastic, dedicated and an incredibly capable colleague. She was our ‘go to’ person for organising projects and campaigns.
“Recently, she successfully oversaw a complex and challenging project developing safety sheets for our pharmacy colleagues at the St Mary’s unit. Nikki is also remembered as a gifted and dedicated scientist, who made significant contributions to the field of toxicology and presented her work at an international level.
“Through her lovely personality, Nikki made many friends during her time in public service and will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues at the NPIS. Nikki leaves her
young family, husband and extended family. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.”
The family of Morgan Rogers paid tribute to the deputy supermarket store manager, saying: “Morgan Rogers was the best that she could be. She will be sadly missed by her mother, father, Rhys, Harry, Holly and Katy.”
Family and friends also paid tribute to Mr O’Dwyer.
In a statement, his family added: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Paul, who gave his life to save others.
“He was a devoted husband,
father, son and brother. He devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes.
“Paul was a water baby. His passion for the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age. His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. He was an Army surfing champion, British Army seven-aside rugby team member, Aberavon Green Stars rugby player, ski instructor and competed multiple times in British and Welsh three-peak events.
“His tick-list also included the London Marathon, running a 100mile race, numerous triathlons including Ironman Wales and recently stand-up paddleboarding 100 miles in 21 hours to raise money for heart screening in Port Talbot. Paul also helped to set up charity Salute to support veterans.
“We as a family are truly thankful for the kind messages sent to us in our time of great sadness.”
Thirty firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including specialist wading crews and swift water rescue technicians, assisted with the rescue where the other five people were unharmed.
Two fire boats were launched to assist with bank and river searches, with crews working closely with the attending coastguard teams.