Sisters Tragically Drown at Eryri National Park's Watkin Path
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two sisters, Hajra and Haleema Zahid, drowned at Eryri National Park in June 2025 after slipping into a pool while paddling.
- The sisters, who could not swim, were visiting the Watkin Path with three male friends for privacy and religious reasons.
- An inquest ruled the deaths accidental, noting the slippery conditions and the sisters' intention only to paddle.
- The assistant coroner extended condolences to the family and cautioned the public about the dangers of such pools.
- Both women were pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts by friends and the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team.
Two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, tragically drowned at a picturesque spot in Eryri National Park, Wales, after slipping into a pool while paddling fully clothed. The incident occurred in June 2025, as the sisters, originally from Pakistan and residing in Rotherham, visited the Watkin Path with three male friends from the University of Chester.
A Day at the National Park
The group had embarked on a journey to the cascading pools along the Watkin Path, a popular route leading to the summit of Wales' highest peak, Yr Wyddfa. The sisters, who were studying for master's degrees, separated from their friends to respect privacy and religious customs, heading further upstream on the Afon Cwm Llan river.
Tragic Discovery
When the sisters did not respond to calls from their friends, the group became concerned. They discovered Hajra floating face down in the water, her red dress visible against the pool's surface. Despite efforts to pull her to safety, they could not locate Haleema until the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team retrieved her from deeper waters. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquest Findings
At the inquest held at Caernarfon Coroner's Court, Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley concluded the deaths were accidental. She noted the sisters' inability to swim and the slippery conditions of the rocks as contributing factors. Riley emphasized that the sisters had not intended to swim, as they were fully clothed, and urged the public to exercise caution in similar environments.
Remembering the Sisters
Tributes poured in for the sisters, with Hajra's husband, Haessham Minhas, describing her as a "determined and ambitious woman" who valued education and family. Family friend Raja Azem remembered Haleema as a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, always in their prayers.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The tragic incident at Eryri National Park highlights the inherent risks associated with natural beauty spots, particularly for those unfamiliar with swimming or local conditions. While the inquest ruled the deaths accidental, it serves as a poignant reminder of the need for awareness and caution when visiting such areas. The assistant coroner's cautionary note may prompt visitors to exercise greater care, potentially influencing future safety advisories at national parks.
Images from the Web
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Sisters Tragically Drown at Eryri National Park's Watkin Path
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Two sisters, Hajra and Haleema Zahid, drowned at Eryri National Park in June 2025 after slipping into a pool while paddling.
- The sisters, who could not swim, were visiting the Watkin Path with three male friends for privacy and religious reasons.
- An inquest ruled the deaths accidental, noting the slippery conditions and the sisters' intention only to paddle.
- The assistant coroner extended condolences to the family and cautioned the public about the dangers of such pools.
- Both women were pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts by friends and the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team.
Two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, tragically drowned at a picturesque spot in Eryri National Park, Wales, after slipping into a pool while paddling fully clothed. The incident occurred in June 2025, as the sisters, originally from Pakistan and residing in Rotherham, visited the Watkin Path with three male friends from the University of Chester.
A Day at the National Park
The group had embarked on a journey to the cascading pools along the Watkin Path, a popular route leading to the summit of Wales' highest peak, Yr Wyddfa. The sisters, who were studying for master's degrees, separated from their friends to respect privacy and religious customs, heading further upstream on the Afon Cwm Llan river.
Tragic Discovery
When the sisters did not respond to calls from their friends, the group became concerned. They discovered Hajra floating face down in the water, her red dress visible against the pool's surface. Despite efforts to pull her to safety, they could not locate Haleema until the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team retrieved her from deeper waters. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquest Findings
At the inquest held at Caernarfon Coroner's Court, Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley concluded the deaths were accidental. She noted the sisters' inability to swim and the slippery conditions of the rocks as contributing factors. Riley emphasized that the sisters had not intended to swim, as they were fully clothed, and urged the public to exercise caution in similar environments.
Remembering the Sisters
Tributes poured in for the sisters, with Hajra's husband, Haessham Minhas, describing her as a "determined and ambitious woman" who valued education and family. Family friend Raja Azem remembered Haleema as a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, always in their prayers.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The tragic incident at Eryri National Park highlights the inherent risks associated with natural beauty spots, particularly for those unfamiliar with swimming or local conditions. While the inquest ruled the deaths accidental, it serves as a poignant reminder of the need for awareness and caution when visiting such areas. The assistant coroner's cautionary note may prompt visitors to exercise greater care, potentially influencing future safety advisories at national parks.
Images from the Web
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Tragedy Strikes as Two Young Men Found Dead on Snowdon
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