A father-of-three died after jumping from a bridge into a river in Llangollen, North Wales, on Friday, July 11. The 46-year-old man, identified as Andrew Tinsley of West Derby, Merseyside, was at a location known for daredevil stunts.
Following the incident, Mr. Tinsley's family was asked to travel to a mortuary in Wrexham, approximately 50 miles away, to identify his body. His mother, Carol Tinsley, a 70-year-old, set off with her three grandchildren, aged 17, 20, and 21.
Tragically, their journey ended in another accident. The car they were traveling in was involved in a collision in Chester around 11:30 p.m., resulting in the death of Carol Tinsley. Her three grandchildren sustained injuries, with two suffering serious injuries and one minor injuries.
Lisa, Mr. Tinsley's niece and Ms. Tinsley's granddaughter, described the events as "shocking" and like "living in a movie." She recounted being on the phone with a cousin who was in the back seat of the car when the collision occurred, hearing "a scream and a rumble and crashing" before the line went dead.
North Wales Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the river death and stated they will work with local councils to highlight the dangers associated with jumping from Llangollen's 16th-century bridge. The bridge is described as a site for a "long-held summer tradition regarded as a dangerous rite of passage." Police responded to the scene on Friday, July 11, at 8:16 p.m. after witnesses reported seeing a man disappear after jumping. Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance, were deployed.
Inspector Joseph Dunn of the NWP Conwy & Denbigh Rural policing team expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged safety concerns regarding diving from the bridge. He confirmed that while not a criminal offense, police will continue to collaborate with local authorities to warn the public about the dangers.
Recent heatwaves have led to increased crowds in Llangollen seeking to cool off in the River Dee, with the town's Riverside area proving particularly popular. The family has launched an appeal to raise funds for a double funeral to support the orphaned grandchildren.