A 19-year-old student, Sean Kanyoza, died after being pulled underwater by a strong current at a popular beauty spot in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, an inquest heard. Mr. Kanyoza was hiking with friends on June 27 when the incident occurred at the Ystradfellte waterfalls, an area known as Waterfall Country.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 2:15 p.m. Despite rescue efforts, Mr. Kanyoza was pronounced dead at the location. A post-mortem examination has been conducted, with the cause of death pending further investigation into histology and toxicology. The full inquest is scheduled to be heard at Pontypridd Coroner's Court.
Friends described Mr. Kanyoza as a 'beloved friend' and a 'true free spirit with a heart of gold.' A GoFundMe fundraiser was established to support his family with funeral costs, highlighting his positive nature and the impact he had on those around him.
This incident marks the seventh fatality in the area in the last seven years. Previous deaths in the vicinity include Bradleigh Kurt Williams, 20, in 2019, Hemanta Rai, 28, and Akeem Rhoden, 22, in the summer of 2021, and three hikers—Helen and Rachel Patching, aged 52 and 33, and Corey Langdon, 26—between 2023 and 2024.
The Ystradfellte waterfalls, near the village of Pontneddfechan, attract over 300,000 visitors annually and are renowned for their hiking trails and scenic cascades. Police confirmed that officers attended the scene along with fire and rescue services and ambulance personnel. Next of kin have been notified, and the HM Coroner is involved.