Tragic Drowning of Sisters at Welsh National Park
Two sisters tragically drowned while paddling in a national park in Wales, highlighting the importance of water safety and awareness.
In a heartbreaking incident, two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, accidentally drowned after they went paddling fully clothed at a national park beauty spot in Wales. The tragic event occurred at the Watkin Path, which leads to the Snowdon mountain summit in the Eryri (Snowdonia) national park, in the Nant Gwynant area of Gwynedd.
The sisters, who were students at the University of Chester, visited the picturesque wild swimming site and its waterfall on June 11, 2025, along with three male friends. The group split up for privacy and religious reasons, and the sisters, who could not swim, headed for a pool upstream on the Afon Cwm Llan river.
The men later called out for the sisters, but got no reply to their shouts. When they reached the pools, they noticed the sisters' shoes and personal belongings at the side. Tragically, they discovered Hajra, a married mother-of-two, floating face down in her red dress. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}
The men managed to pull an unconscious Hajra onto the riverbank, but they were unable to find Haleema. Emergency services were called, and two members of the Llanberis mountain rescue team later retrieved Haleema, who was wearing blue jeans and a black shirt, from deep water near the waterfall.
The coroner's court in Caernarfon heard that the sisters, who were from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, had likely slipped into the pools on the path up Snowdon. The tragedy highlights the importance of water safety and awareness, especially in popular outdoor recreation areas. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for caution and preparedness when engaging in water-based activities, particularly for those who may not be strong swimmers. The loss of these two young lives is deeply felt, and it is crucial that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the community and loved ones of Hajra and Haleema Zahid mourn the devastating loss of these vibrant young women. Their memory will serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of embracing safety precautions when exploring the great outdoors.
Source: The Guardian
