Sisters Hajra and Haleema Zahid Drown in Eryri Pools
University of Chester Students Recovered from Watkin Path Waterfalls Following Mountain Excursion
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Sarah Connor
Two sisters studying at the University of Chester drowned after slipping into cascading pools along the Watkin Path in the Eryri national park.
The group of five trekked for 40 minutes along the established path to reach the specific location of the pools. Upon arrival, the party decided to split into two smaller groups.
Detective Constable Gutun Lake confirmed that the group separated for privacy and religious reasons. The three male friends remained on the mountain while the sisters moved toward the water's edge alone.
One or both women likely fell from an exceptionally slippy slab of rock.
Assistant Coroner for North West Wales, Sarah Riley, stated that one or both women likely fell from an exceptionally slippy slab of rock. This geological hazard sits at the immediate edge of the deep pools.
Evidence presented at the inquest suggests the sisters slipped into the fast-moving water and were unable to swim to safety. The terrain in this section of the park features steep drops and narrow, forceful water channels.
The Watkin Path carves one of the primary routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, attracting thousands of hikers annually. Its popularity has grown significantly as a destination for wild swimming and mountain photography.
North Wales Police investigator Gutun Lake tracked the group's movements to the precise coordinates where the incident occurred. Search and rescue teams utilized the existing path network to access the remote site following the emergency call.
The University of Chester, where both women were enrolled, maintains a student population of approximately 15,000 across its various campuses. The institution represents a major stakeholder in the regional economy and the local community.
The Watkin Path anchors the region's history, having been officially opened in 1892 by Prime Minister William Gladstone. It remains a landmark feature of the Welsh landscape, drawing international visitors to its rugged ascent.
Local authorities have previously managed safety concerns regarding the waterfalls, which are known for their visual profile and physical risks. The North West Wales coroner's office is currently reviewing the exact sequence of events that led to the sisters entering the pool.
Sarah Riley noted the specific geological hazards present at the site during the time of the drownings, focusing on the slickness of the rock surfaces. The inquest continues to examine the physical conditions that contributed to the tragedy.
The pools sit in a landscape where the weather rapidly alters the grip and stability of the surrounding stone. This environment creates a high-risk zone for those standing near the cascading water's edge.
Emergency responders pronounced both women dead at the scene shortly after they were pulled from the water. The recovery operation required specialized teams to navigate the steep terrain surrounding the falls.
Detective Constable Gutun Lake provided a detailed timeline of the group's arrival and their subsequent separation at the cascading pools. This timeline forms a critical part of the ongoing investigation into the deaths.
The incident has prompted a renewed focus on the physical safety of the Watkin Path's water features. Authorities continue to monitor the area as the inquest into the lives of Hajra and Haleema Zahid proceeds.
The North West Wales coroner's office maintains its investigation into the specific mechanics of the fall. Physical evidence from the site remains the primary focus of the ongoing inquiry.