**Body of Young Cardiff Man Discovered in River Taff Following Disappearance**
Tragic news has emerged from Cardiff as the body of a missing man was found in the River Taff six days after he reportedly left his home in the early hours without his personal belongings. The deceased, identified as 26-year-old Connor William Westlake Walker-Smith from Canton, had been reported missing on 17 April 2024. Details presented at a recent inquest at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court provide insight into his final days and the efforts made by family and authorities to locate him.
Connor was last seen in the vicinity of his residence on Pembroke Road, in the Canton area, at around 2am on the day of his disappearance. According to testimony given by his former partner, Shannon Evans, he departed home without vital items such as his mobile phone, wallet, or keys. This absence triggered immediate alarm among loved ones and prompted a subsequent police search.
Ms Evans, reflecting on their relationship and Connor’s struggles, expressed deep affection and concern for his well-being. “He is the love of my life. We’ve been close since our teens, and what I wanted more than anything was for him to know he was loved and not alone,” she said. Ms Evans highlighted the difficulties Connor faced in accessing mental health support and revealed plans within the family to pursue private counselling to help him through the ordeal.
Connor’s plight casts a stark light on the challenges many individuals encounter in seeking timely mental health assistance. Despite intermittent contact with relevant services, records show that Connor met with his GP the day before he went missing to discuss his low mood. However, no indications of suicide were disclosed during this appointment, nor was an immediate referral made to specialist services. Plans to move out of the area were reportedly discussed at that time.
The inquest heard that, in the period leading up to his disappearance, Connor had consumed alcohol and left home following an argument. Eyewitness accounts and police reports later revealed that he was seen close to the river and was approached by a group of young men as he appeared to be attempting to enter the water. Though he briefly moved away after this interaction, evidence presented indicated that Connor subsequently “deliberately” entered the river.
His body was ultimately discovered near Jim Driscoll Way in Cardiff Bay on 23 April 2024, drawing a weeklong search to a close and bringing devastating news to family, friends, and the wider community. The coroner, Kerrie Burge, after reviewing the circumstances, determined that on the balance of probabilities, Connor’s death was intentional and concluded that he had taken his own life by drowning.
While such inquests are undoubtedly painful for grieving families, they play a critical role in ensuring transparency. Open justice not only holds systems to account but also has the potential to further public understanding about the circumstances surrounding untimely deaths, often prompting necessary conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
The attendance and reporting by journalists at inquests serve as a vital link between the judicial process and public awareness. Through their impartial stories and the voices of bereaved families, stigma can be challenged, and the need for improved support can be highlighted. In the case of Connor, his loved ones’ willingness to discuss his struggles has brought attention to the gaps that exist in mental health provision and the urgency with which they must be addressed.
For anyone affected by this story or experiencing feelings of distress, support is available. The Samaritans can be contacted confidentially, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.
This tragic case is a sobering reminder of the importance of accessible mental health services and the profound impact that loss has on families and communities across Wales.