A former police officer has been charged with the manslaughter of four paddleboarders who drowned after becoming entangled in a flooded weir.
Nerys Lloyd, 39, was in charge of the ill-fated expedition, believed to be Britain’s worst ever paddleboarding accident.
Police have charged her with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence and one health and safety offence.
Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, Andrea Powell, 41, and instructor Paul O’Dwyer, 42, died in the accident on October 30, 2021.
According to a report by the Marine Accidents Investigation Board, the four became trapped by ‘hydraulic dragging back without any means of escape’ at a dangerous weir in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Former police officer Nerys Lloyd, 39, has been charged with the manslaughter of four paddleboarders who drowned after becoming entangled in a flooded weir
The ill-fated expedition on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest (pictured) is believed to be Britain’s worst ever paddleboarding accident
Health worker Nicola Wheatley (pictured, left) was one of four people who drowned in the tragedy. Paul O’Dwyer (right) was one of the leaders of the excursion and also died
Morgan Rogers (pictured), 24, also died during the tragedy, which occurred on October 30, 2021
Lloyd left her job with South Wales Police three months after the tragedy and now works for a community charity.
She was the owner and sole director of an outdoor activities company called Salty Dog Co, based in Port Talbot, South Wales, which has now closed down.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said: ‘We have authorized Dyfed-Powys Police to charge Nerys Lloyd, 39, with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence and one health and safety offense after death of four paddle boarders. in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2021.
‘The charges relate to a commercial paddleboarding river trip on October 30, 2021, in which four members of the group became trapped in Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically died.’
Ex-soldier and married father of three, Mr O’Dwyer was one of the leaders of the excursion, organized by the Salty Dog Company.
Four people survived the incident on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest town centre.
Det Supt Cameron Ritchie, senior investigating officer at Dyfed-Powys Police, said the charges were made following a ‘lengthy investigation’.
He added: “The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have all been informed.”
Chief Marine Accident Inspector Andrew Moll said: ‘Stand-up paddleboarding is probably the fastest growing British water sport, with participation increasing by almost 300% in recent years.
Nerys Lloyd, from Aberavon, South Wales, has been charged with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence
Morgan Rogers, one of the victims of the disaster, was described as a “beautiful, kind and loving soul.” She is depicted with a dog
Former Port Talbot soldier Paul was described as a ‘devoted husband, father, son and brother’.
His family said: ‘He dedicated his life to contributing to society through his many adventures raising money for various charities.’
Toxicology expert Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, was described as ‘a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife’.
The family said: ‘Nicola was a beautiful, caring, thoughtful and funny person. She was wonderful in every way. She left a void in our lives that will never be filled.”
The supermarket’s deputy manager, Morgan Rogers, from Merthyr Tydfil, was described as ‘the best she could be. She will be sadly missed.”
Her family said: ‘Morgan was a beautiful, kind and loving soul, loved by all who were touched by her warm smile and caring personality.
“Morgan was never happier than when she was outside doing what she loved and spending time with her family.
“She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and everyone she knew along the way. Morgan will always be in our hearts and memories. We will miss her very much.’
Flowers lay close to the scene on the River Cleddau, where the group died after falling into distress
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: ‘We have authorized Dyfed Powys Police to charge Nerys Lloyd, 39, with four counts of manslaughter by gross negligence and one health and safety offense following the deaths of four paddleboarders in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. , in 2021.
‘The charge relates to a commercial paddleboarding river trip on October 30, 2021, in which four members of the group became trapped in Haverfordwest Town Weir and tragically died.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all involved that criminal proceedings against the suspect are ongoing and that she is entitled to a fair trial.
‘It is extremely important that there is no online reporting, commenting or sharing of information that could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
Chief Marine Accident Inspector Andrew Moll said: ‘Stand-up paddleboarding is probably the fastest growing British water sport, with participation increasing by almost 300% in recent years.
‘But as with all water sports, those purchasing or renting a paddleboard should understand the risks.’
Mr Moll said paddleboarders should always wear the correct equipment and a quick-release leash to get away from their boards in dangerous situations.
Investigations have been opened against Paul O’Dwyer from Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley, from Swansea and Andrea Powell from Bridgend.
Lloyd, from Aberavon, South Wales, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 3.