**Tragedy Strikes Welsh Family as Father and Son Drown in Australian Waters**
A family holiday to Australia ended in devastation for a Welsh family after a father and son tragically drowned while enjoying a day out at a popular coastal spot. The inquest into their deaths has recently opened in Newport, shedding further light on the events that unfolded in April.
Robin Reed, aged 46, and his 17-year-old son Owen were described as being in good spirits as they played together with family members at Round Hill Head beach, near Seventeen Seventy in Queensland. The incident, which took place on Sunday 13 April, was triggered by a powerful wave that swept Owen away from the safety of his family and into deeper waters. According to statements heard at the inquest, Robin attempted to rescue his son by swimming after him, only for the pair to be pulled even further from the shore by strong currents.
Alarmed by the sudden turn of events, eyewitnesses on the beach alerted emergency services. Despite the prompt response from search and rescue teams, both Robin and Owen were later found unconscious in the water. Lifeguard services in this particular region are sparse, with just one patrolled beach in a 50-kilometre radius, highlighting the challenges faced by both holidaymakers and rescuers in such remote stretches of coastline.
Sadly, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful, and both father and son were pronounced dead at the scene. Post-mortem examinations later confirmed that both had drowned. These forensic findings, announced by Rose Farmer, the area coroner for Gwent, solidified the cause of death ahead of the full inquest scheduled for November.
Back home in Blackwood, Caerphilly, the news has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Robin was a much-loved football coach. Tributes have poured in from sports clubs across the region, reflecting a deep sense of loss. The Pengam football club, where Robin was a mainstay, expressed heartache at the passing of both Robin and Owen. The club described Robin as “more than just a parent—he was a true friend and the undisputed king of bacon rolls,” adding that his absence would be felt keenly by all involved.
Neighbours and fellow sports enthusiasts also extended their condolences, with clubs like Fleur De Lys Football Club reaching out to support the Reed family and their local football community. Across social media and in community spaces, messages of sympathy and solidarity have underscored the impact Robin and Owen had on those around them—a testament to their character and the close bonds formed through grassroots sport.
In response to the tragedy and the challenges now facing the Reed family, a close friend, Annmarie Thomas, launched a fundraising campaign to assist with immediate financial concerns and help ease the burden after such a sudden loss. The GoFundMe appeal, which has exceeded £7,000 in donations, appeals to the generous spirit of both the local and wider community. In her message, Ms Thomas highlighted the enormity of losing both husband and son, urging supporters to help alleviate some of the family’s mounting pressures as they navigate grieving so far from home.
The incident raises lingering questions about coastal safety, supervision on popular beaches frequented by travellers, and the vital role lifeguards play in preventing similar tragedies. As the community rallies around the Reed family, there is also a growing recognition of the need for vigilance near water, particularly in unfamiliar environments far from home.
The inquest set for November is expected to provide a clearer picture of the events and may prompt further conversations about surf safety in remote locations. For now, the Reed family, their friends, and the many lives touched by Robin and Owen must come to terms with a loss that will echo for years to come—both in south Wales and on the distant shores of Queensland, where their holiday ended in heartbreak.