Helen Patching, Rachael Patching and Corey Longdon

I am Rachel Knight H M Coroner, for the coroner area of South Wales Central.

On 22 nd January 2026 I held a hearing where three inquests were conjoined as they all raised the same issue. The inquests related to the deaths of Helen Patching, Rachael Patching and Corey Longdon. I attach the Records of Inquest for each of the deceased. All three died accidental deaths within the area known as Waterfall Country within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons).

The hearing focused upon: a. The safety measures in place in Waterfall Country

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. (1)   There is a high rate of accidents, including some fatal accidents, from trips and slips in the area known as Waterfall Country; (2) A previous Prevention of Future Death report has led to the erection of signage concerning the risk of drowning in the water itself. However, the current signage provision does not adequately address the significant additional risk of accidental falling. Many walkers fail to understand the official routes, closed and open paths and the significant risks they face; (3) Serious and fatal accidents will continue to occur unless these risks are addressed; and (4) Mobile telephone signal is poor to non-existent in certain more remote areas, which creates delay in alerting emergency services when accidents do occur.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action.