An inquest has concluded that three visitors to a popular waterfalls area in Bannau Brycheiniog died in accidental circumstances.

Helen and Rachael Patching, aged 52 and 33, a married couple from West Malling, Kent, died in January 2023, while 26-year-old Corey Longdon from Gloucester died in June 2024. All three incidents occurred in Waterfall Country near Ystradfellte.

Reports from Pontypridd Coroner’s Court said the Patching women, both experienced walkers, were fully equipped and wearing appropriate clothing when the incident occurred. It is believed one entered the water accidentally, with the other attempting a rescue.

Helen Patching’s body was recovered from the water on January 6, with Rachael Patching’s body found two days later several miles downstream in the River Neath. In both cases, drowning was recorded as the cause of death.

Corey Longdon died in June 2024. It is believed he fell from a steep incline into the water while exploring the same waterfalls area. He had reportedly left a path in search of a shortcut. He was airlifted to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but died later that day.

The cause of death was given as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy brain injury, traumatic cardiac arrest and a fall from height.

All three deaths were recorded as accidental.

The inquest highlighted safety concerns in the area, including poor mobile phone signal, unclear paths and signage, and access issues at some waterfalls. The coroner said a formal Prevention of Future Deaths report will be issued to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority (BBNPA) and local authorities.

Representatives for BBNPA said signage at key access points and information shared on social media are used to raise awareness of risks, while NRW confirmed investment, new routes and fencing have been introduced near the site of one of the incidents to improve safety.