Wales woman arrested for gross negligence manslaughter as fourth paddleboarder ...

Wales woman arrested for gross negligence manslaughter as fourth paddleboarder ...
Wales woman arrested for gross negligence manslaughter as fourth paddleboarder ...

A woman has been arrested for gross negligence manslaughter - after a fourth paddleboarder has died as a result of a tragic paddleboarding trip.

The woman from the South Wales area was arrested after a group of nine got into difficulty on the paddleboarding trip on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire last Saturday.

She has been released under investigation.

Andrea Powell, 41, died in hospital after being rescued from the ill-fated trip, according to the BBC.

Ms Powell, from Bridged, had been taken to Withybush hospital immediately after being rescued but succumbed to her injuries, it was confirmed today.

Flowers have been laid close to the scene of the drownings near Haverfordwest town centre

Flowers have been laid close to the scene of the drownings near Haverfordwest town centre

Dyfed-Powys Police said: 'Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident.'

The five other participants on the trip were rescued unharmed.

Ms Powell's death follows that of two other women and one man who were on the paddleboarding excursion.

Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, and Paul O'Dwyer, 42, from Sandfields, Neath Port Talbot, also perished when the group got into difficulty on the river.

Instructor and father-of-three Mr O'Dwyer was been praised for his bravery and described as 'an incredible man in every way' for jumping into the raging water to save the women.

Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40 and Paul O'Dwyer (pictured), 42, died after a rainstorm hit nine paddleboarders on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, on Saturday

Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40 and Paul O'Dwyer (pictured), 42, died after a rainstorm hit nine paddleboarders on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, on Saturday

Five others in the party, understood to be part of the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, were unharmed.

The group, who were part of an organised outing, had been in the water only minutes when they were hit by a deluge of rushing water as they paddled near a weir on the swollen river.

Tributes flocked in for the three victims of the horrific tragedy in the aftermath of the incident, with relatives of health worker Ms Wheatley, known as Nikki by her colleagues, saying she was a loving wife, mother and daughter.

A family member said: 'Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. She was amazing in every way.

Father-of-three Mr O'Dwyer (pictured) has been praised for his bravery and described as 'an incredible man in every way' for jumping into the raging water to save the women

Father-of-three Mr O'Dwyer (pictured) has been praised for his bravery and described as 'an incredible man in every way' for jumping into the raging water to save the women

'She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.'

Ms Wheatley worked in toxicology at London's Guys and St Thomas's Hospital in London before joining the Cardiff and Vale University health Board 15 years ago.

She was a specialist at the National Poisons Information service and gave advice to doctors treating patients who had been poisoned.

A statement from her work colleagues described her as an 'enthusiastic and dedicated' worker and said she was a gifted scientist.

It read: '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.

Tributes have flocked in for the three victims, with relatives of health worker Ms Wheatley (pictured), known as Nikki by colleagues, saying she was a loving wife, mother and daughter

Tributes have flocked in for the three victims, with relatives of health worker Ms Wheatley (pictured), known as Nikki by colleagues, saying she was a loving wife, mother and daughter

'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.

She leaves her young family, husband and extended family. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.'

Ms Rogers, who loved outdoor adventures and was a member of the South Wales Paddleboarding Club, was described as a 'lovely' girl by her devastated friends. 

Ms Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil, was deputy store manager at the town's Aldi supermarket but was planning to join the fire brigade.

Her friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog.

Her mother Teresa Hall posted on Facebook: 'My beautiful daughter Morgan, taken too young. I'm heartbroken. Sleep tight my baby.'

A statement from Morgan's family said: 'Morgan was the best that she could be. She will be sadly missed by her mother, father, Rhys, Harry, Holly and Katy.

Ms Rogers's friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog

Ms Rogers's friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog

The weekend before the tragedy, Mr O'Dwyer had completed a dangerous 24-hour paddleboard marathon along a 100-mile stretch of the River Wye on the Welsh border.

Ex-Royal Engineer Mr O'Dwyer has been described as 'inspirational' and a dedicated charity fundraiser.

The event raised £4,500 for a heart screening charity in honour of five friends who died of undiagnosed heart problems.

A family spokesman said: 'Paul 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.

Ms Rogers (pictured), who loved outdoor adventures and was a member of the South Wales Paddleboarding Club, was described as a 'lovely' girl by her devastated friends

Ms Rogers (pictured), who loved outdoor adventures and was a member of the South Wales Paddleboarding Club, was described as a 'lovely' girl by her devastated friends

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