A FORMER policeman has been charged over the deaths of four people who died in a wakeboarding tragedy.
Paul O’Dwyer, 42, Andrea Powell, 41, Morgan Rogers, 24, and Nicola Wheatley, 40, died after getting into difficulty on the River Cleddau, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
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Nerys Lloyd has been charged with manslaughter after four people died while paddle boarding Credit: UGC/UNPIXS
Police have now charged Nerys Lloyd, 39, who owns Salty Dog – the company that organizes the tour.
She has been charged with four counts of manslaughter and one count of breaching health and safety.
The former police officer is due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 3.
The horror unfolded when a group of nine embarked on a stand-up paddleboarding tour on October 30, 2021.
They were caught in heavy downpours shortly after 9 a.m. while emergency crews were dispatched to the scene.
Former soldier Paul died while jumping into the water in an attempt to save the women.
Mama Andrea, who worked as a dental therapist, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, but tragically she could not be saved.
Four other paddleboarders survived the horror.
Morgan’s family paid tribute following the tragedy, saying she was “the best she could be” and would be “sadly missed”.
While Nicola’s loved ones said her death “left a void [their] lives that will never be fulfilled.”
Detective Constable Cameron Ritchie, from Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Following a lengthy and complex investigation, working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Service, Nerys Lloyd has today been charged with four counts of manslaughter and one count of to protect health and safety at work.
“The families of the dead and those who survived the incident have been informed.
“As criminal proceedings are ongoing, it is important that there are no reports, comments or postings on the internet that could prejudice this case.”
While Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS’s Special Crimes Unit, said the charge related to a “commercial river rowing tour”.
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Nicola Wheatley was killed in the tragedyCredit: WNS
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Morgan Rogers was among the victims Credit: WNS
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Andrea Powell died when the group ran into difficulties Credit: PA
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Paul was killed when he jumped to save the women Credit: WNS
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