## Tributes Pour in for Beloved Powys Farmer After Fatal Quad Bike Tragedy
A rural community in Powys has been left heartbroken following the death of a respected local farmer and devoted father, who lost his life in a tragic quad bike incident near Sarn. The fatal accident, which occurred on 29 May 2024, has prompted a wave of tributes and outpourings of grief from family, friends, and members of the wider community.
William Stephen Watkin, a 39-year-old father of two, widely known by his middle name, was reportedly tending to day-to-day tasks at Gwern-Y-Go Hill farm in Sarn when the tragic accident occurred. An inquest at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court has confirmed that Mr Watkin suffered a fatal head injury after being thrown from his quad bike while navigating uneven farmland terrain.
Coroner Patricia Morgan ruled the death as accidental, noting that Mr Watkin had extensive experience in farming and used quad bikes frequently as part of his work. According to her findings, on the day of the accident, Mr Watkin lost control of his vehicle on City Lane, which led to the quad bike overturning and trapping him beneath it.
“Emergency services responded to the scene promptly after Mr Watkin was discovered under the overturned vehicle,” Ms Morgan reported. Despite swift intervention and attempts at resuscitation by paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head injuries and going into cardiac arrest. The coroner commented on the dangers posed by challenging terrain for agricultural vehicles, even for those familiar with such equipment.
Born in Welshpool, Mr Watkin leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. The loss has been keenly felt across the local farming and sporting communities – sectors in which he was known for his warmth, dedication, and infectious character. Newtown Rugby Club, where he had been an active player and loyal supporter, shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Steve was a great player and a loyal and dedicated member of the Newtown RFC family. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Steve.”
Other tributes from friends and acquaintances describe Mr Watkin as “a lovely lad with a huge character” and “a happy, fun, caring, and genuinely great bloke”. Such messages reflect the remarkable impact he had on all those who knew him, both professionally within the local farming industry and personally as a valued friend.
Incidents like this serve as a sombre reminder of the inherent risks faced by agricultural workers in rural Wales and the rest of the UK, where quad bikes are regularly used for farming tasks. Safety campaigners have previously urged both experienced and younger farm workers to undertake regular training and remain vigilant on rough and uneven ground, stressing the need for proper safety equipment and protocols.
The reporting of inquest proceedings remains a crucial part of journalistic duty in the UK, as it ensures transparency surrounding the circumstances of sudden or unexplained deaths. By shedding light on the facts established in coroner hearings, journalists help foster understanding within the public, enable lessons to be learned, and sometimes prompt much-needed discussions about community and workplace safety.
Families affected by such tragedies often find comfort in the memories and tributes shared by others, even as the press works to report accurately and respectfully on sensitive matters. While some families choose not to engage with the media, others see value in providing details that can help honour the memory of their loved one and perhaps prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The local community in Sarn and beyond will no doubt feel the loss of William Stephen Watkin for years to come, as they mourn a man described as “genuinely great” and work to support his bereaved family. His passing stands as a poignant reminder of the close-knit connections that exist within rural Welsh communities, and the ongoing importance of farm safety awareness.