Couple drowned after falling into a waterfall from a popular beauty spot in Wales in tribute to a ‘selfless’ couple

Tributes were paid to a couple who drowned after falling into a waterfall at a popular site in Wales.

Rachael Patching, 33, and wife Helen, 52, were found dead in the river after disappearing along the rugged Four Waterfalls Walk in Wales’s Brecon Beacons National Park.

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The couple, who married seven years ago, had made the 200-mile journey from Sevenoaks, Kent, for a New Year’s break.

The inquest found the preliminary cause of death for two women was drowning after falling into the icy water below.

The alarm was raised just before noon on January 4 after a body was seen in the water at Ystradfellte.

Helen’s body was found the next day, while Rachael’s body was found about five miles downriver four days later.

Firefighters, mountain rescue and national air support services were involved in a search that lasted five days.

At Pontypridd Coroners Court, Bailiff Catherine Burnell said a member of the public had “discovered a body at the Spring Lakes campsite between Glynneath and Resolven”.

South Wales Central Coroner Patricia Morgan offered her “deepest condolences” to the friends and families of both women “at this tragic time”.

Families and friends had paid moving tributes to the “selfless” couple.

Her family said Rachael and Helen would be remembered for “their endless laughter” and was a “credit to themselves and to society.”

A tribute to the family said: “We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss after it was announced that Rachael and Helen had passed away aged just 33 and 52.

“They were such a devoted, selfless and loving couple who had an immensely positive impact on everyone they met.

“Her love of animals and her dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made her a truly admirable honor to herself and to society.

“Her endless laughter will forever be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her.

“There are no words that can express enough how much they were both appreciated by family members, friends and colleagues.”

The investigation was adjourned to a later date.

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