A tragic accident in the scenic Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia) in North Wales claimed the lives of two sisters on June 11, 2025, when they drowned after entering deep mountain pools along the Watkin Path. Hajra Zahid, 29, a married mother of two young sons, and her younger sister Haleema Zahid, 25, were visiting the popular natural beauty spot with university friends when the incident occurred in the early evening.

The sisters, originally from Rawalpindi in Pakistan, had moved to the UK earlier in 2025 to pursue Master’s degrees in international business at the University of Chester. They lived in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and had traveled to the Nant Gwynant area of Gwynedd with three male friends from university for what was intended as a relaxing day trip to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes.

The Watkin Path, one of the main routes leading toward the summit of Yr Wyddfa (the Welsh name for Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England), features a series of natural mountain pools fed by the Afon Cwm Llan river. These pools, including scenic waterfalls, have gained popularity on social media as ideal spots for wild swimming and photography, drawing visitors seeking refreshing dips amid dramatic scenery.

On the afternoon of June 11, the group of five students arrived at the area. At some point, the sisters separated briefly from their friends—possibly for privacy or to explore independently. Neither Hajra nor Haleema could swim, a detail that emerged later during investigations and inquest proceedings. They approached one of the deeper pools and began paddling in the water while still fully clothed. Witnesses and subsequent accounts suggest they may have mistakenly ventured into deeper sections, underestimating the sudden drop-offs or the strength of underwater currents near the waterfall.

The pools, while inviting on the surface, can conceal hazardous conditions: cold water temperatures, slippery rocks, strong undercurrents from cascading falls, and rapid depth changes that pose risks even to experienced swimmers. Fully clothed entry likely compounded the danger, as heavy, wet clothing restricts movement and increases the likelihood of being pulled under.

Friends soon realized the sisters were in trouble. They discovered Hajra floating face down in the water, dressed in a red outfit, and managed to pull her unconscious body to the riverbank. Efforts to locate Haleema proved more difficult; she remained submerged in deeper water near the waterfall, wearing blue jeans and a black shirt. Emergency services were alerted around 9:31 p.m. BST, prompting a challenging rescue operation involving North Wales Police, Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, an air ambulance, and a coastguard helicopter.

Despite the rapid response, both women were pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 11 p.m.—Hajra at 10:48 p.m. and Haleema at 10:49 p.m. The cause of death was confirmed as drowning, with the inquest ruling the deaths accidental.

An inquest opened at Caernarfon Coroner’s Court days later, with assistant coroner Sarah Riley stating that the sisters “entered the water and sadly both died as a result of drowning.” The hearing was adjourned pending further investigations, but the accidental nature of the tragedy was clear from early evidence.

The loss has devastated their family, friends, and the wider community. Hajra, as a mother to sons aged six and three, left behind a grieving husband and young children who now face life without her nurturing presence. Haleema, pursuing her studies with ambition, was remembered for her kindness and enthusiasm. Tributes from university peers highlighted the sisters’ warmth, dedication, and the joy they brought to their circle. Friends who identified them during proceedings spoke of the profound shock and sorrow.

The incident has renewed discussions about safety at popular wild swimming sites in Eryri National Park. While the Watkin Pools and similar natural features attract thousands of visitors annually—boosted by social media promotion—officials and safety advocates emphasize the risks: cold water shock, hidden depths, powerful currents, and the absence of lifeguards or barriers in remote areas. The path’s reputation as a hiking route to Yr Wyddfa adds to the appeal, but it also means many visitors are unprepared for water-based activities.

In the aftermath, the family expressed devastation and sought clarity amid some conflicting early accounts of the events. Bodies were repatriated to Pakistan following funeral prayers in northern England, allowing for burial in their ancestral homeland.

This heartbreaking accident serves as a somber reminder of nature’s unpredictability, even in seemingly idyllic settings. The sisters’ visit, meant to create happy memories during their time studying abroad, ended in unimaginable loss. Community support has rallied around the bereaved family, with calls for greater awareness campaigns about the dangers of mountain pools and the importance of respecting water safety guidelines—no matter how inviting a spot appears online.

As Eryri continues to draw adventurers from near and far, the story of Hajra and Haleema Zahid underscores the need for caution, preparation, and respect for the environment’s hidden perils. Their lives, full of promise and family love, were cut short in a moment of misjudgment, leaving an enduring void for all who knew them.