**Identities of Two Victims Confirmed Following Tragedy at Popular Welsh Beauty Spot**
Authorities have formally identified two women who tragically died at a popular natural site in North Wales last week. The incident took place near the well-known Watkin Path on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), an area renowned for its scenic beauty and much loved by walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The victims, named as Hajra Zahid, aged 29, and 25-year-old Haleema Zahid, were pronounced dead at the scene on the evening of Wednesday, 11 June. Emergency services, including North Wales Police, rushed to the pools close to the Nant Gwynant area following reports of a serious incident at around 9.30pm.
According to official police statements, one of the women had already been recovered from the water by the time emergency personnel arrived. Despite the efforts of trained rescuers, who subsequently pulled the second woman from the pools, neither could be saved. Both women were declared dead at the location.
A wider emergency response was triggered, involving a swift deployment from multiple agencies. The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team was joined by members of the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, with further support from Wales Air Ambulance and the Coastguard. The operation, described as “complex and difficult”, was coordinated in challenging conditions as daylight faded over the rugged terrain.
An inquest into the women’s deaths is now scheduled to open in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, this Wednesday, 18 June. North Wales Police have confirmed that their investigation into the incident remains ongoing. They are appealing for anyone who may have been walking in the vicinity of the Watkin Path between 6pm and 9pm on that day to come forward with any information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The pools near the Watkin Path, known collectively as the Watkin Pools or Afon Cwm Llan, are a series of picturesque waterfalls and naturally formed pools on land managed by National Trust Cymru. In recent years, the site has gained further popularity through social media, attracting a steady flow of visitors drawn by its photogenic vistas and idyllic waters.
A spokesperson for the National Trust expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the two women, noting: “We share our deepest sympathies at this extremely difficult time. As investigations continue, we must refrain from further comment so as not to compromise the ongoing police enquiry.”
Jurgen Dissmann, the chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, extended words of sympathy online, describing the incident as one of the most challenging the team had faced recently. He highlighted the collaborative effort from different emergency services and praised the commitment of all personnel involved in the operation.
Incidents such as these often serve as important reminders of the unpredictable nature of outdoor exploration, even at well-frequented tourist spots. Safety in isolated and wild locations remains a key concern, particularly as more visitors are drawn to North Wales by the allure of its natural wonders shared widely on online platforms.
The deaths have prompted sadness in the local community and among the wider public, with many expressing their condolences online and urging visitors to exercise caution when exploring rural and mountainous areas. The landscape’s beauty, while breathtaking, can also pose hidden risks, especially near fast-flowing water or steep, uneven terrain.
As official enquiries continue, thoughts remain with the families and friends of Hajra and Haleema Zahid during what is undoubtedly a period of profound grief. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on those who live and work in the area, as well as on the many who return year after year to walk the tranquil pathways of Yr Wyddfa.