In the stunning yet treacherous “Waterfall Country” of Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales, a romantic New Year’s hiking getaway turned into an unimaginable nightmare for married couple Rachael Patching, 33, and Helen Patching, 52.

The pair, from West Malling in Kent, were seasoned hikers who thrived in the outdoors. Rachael, training as an animal behaviorist and a volunteer at Battersea Dogs Home, and Helen, a dedicated probation service worker with a passion for adventure and ultra-challenges, had driven 200 miles for a moderate-to-challenging five-mile walk along the famous Four Waterfalls trail. Fully equipped with rucksacks, walking poles, and proper gear, they were in their element amid the cascading waters and lush valleys.

On January 4, 2023, near Sgwd y Pannwr waterfall in Ystradfellte, disaster struck. Investigators believe one slipped on the slick, wet rocks while admiring the view, plunging into the icy, fast-flowing River Neath with its powerful underwater currents. The other, in a selfless act of love, quickly shed her rucksack and attempted a desperate rescue—only to be swept away too. Both drowned, their bodies fully clothed, ruling out any voluntary swim in the freezing conditions.

Helen’s body was recovered from the waterfall on January 5 or 6, while Rachael’s was found days later, carried miles downstream near a campsite. Their car remained parked nearby, a silent witness to the sudden loss.

What makes this story particularly devastating is the last contact with family. Just about 15 minutes before the tragedy unfolded, the couple had spoken cheerfully with their parents, excitedly confirming dinner plans at a restaurant the following evening after wrapping up their hike. That promise of a warm reunion never came. Instead, families were shattered by the news of the double loss.

At the 2026 inquest in Pontypridd Coroner’s Court, Assistant Coroner Rachel Knight ruled both deaths accidental due to drowning. She highlighted how one likely entered the water unintentionally, prompting the heroic but fatal rescue attempt. Tributes poured in from loved ones describing the pair as a “devoted, selfless, and loving couple” who left an immensely positive impact—vegans passionate about animal welfare, proud LGBT community members, and happiest scaling mountains or helping others.

The incident is part of a tragic pattern at this beauty spot, with a third death in 2024 when 26-year-old Corey Longdon fell 100 feet into the water nearby. The coroner issued urgent warnings about poor mobile signals, confusing paths, inadequate signage, and dangerous unofficial routes, urging authorities to improve safety measures like better markers, fencing, and emergency access.

For now, the waterfalls—once a source of joy—stand as a somber reminder of nature’s unforgiving power and the fragility of life. A devoted couple’s adventure ended in heartbreak, leaving families to mourn what could have been: laughter, shared meals, and many more trails together.