**Inquest Confirms Drowning as Cause of Death for Sisters at Popular Welsh Beauty Spot**
Authorities in North Wales have confirmed the tragic causes of death for two young sisters found at a renowned beauty spot on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Hajra Zahid, aged 29, and her 25-year-old sister Haleema Zahid, both students at the University of Chester, died at the Watkin Pools, a series of clear, turquoise pools situated along the Watkin Path.
The inquest into their deaths opened on Wednesday, 18 June, at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon. Sarah Riley, the assistant coroner for north-west Wales, officially stated that both women lost their lives as a result of drowning. Dr Zain Mehdi, a consultant pathologist, carried out the post-mortem examinations, providing these preliminary findings to the court.
The incident occurred on the evening of 11 June, when the sisters had travelled to Nant Gwynant in Eryri (Snowdonia) with friends from their university. According to reports given in the hearing, emergency services were summoned to the pools around 9.30pm. It was stated that one sister had already been pulled from the water while the other remained in the pools at the time first responders arrived.
The Watkin Path, one of the six main routes ascending Yr Wyddfa, is particularly popular for its scenic beauty, cascading waterfalls, and pristine pools along the Afon Cwm Llan river. This picturesque location has attracted an increasing number of visitors, partly due to its popularity on social media as a wild swimming destination. However, the pools, while breathtaking, can prove treacherous.
North Wales Police have called for any individuals who were in the vicinity of the Watkin Path between 6pm and 9pm on the evening of the tragedy to come forward. Investigations remain ongoing, with police seeking to establish the precise sequence of events leading to the sisters’ deaths. Zeb Luqman, a friend of the pair, assisted police in formally identifying them in the aftermath.
Both Hajra and Haleema were originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and had been residing in Maltby, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Their sudden and unexpected deaths have left family, friends, and the wider community in shock and mourning. In her opening statements, assistant coroner Sarah Riley expressed her condolences to all those affected by the loss.
The rescue operation proved challenging for emergency and mountain rescue teams alike. Jurgen Dissmann, the chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, extended the organisation’s sympathies to the families and paid tribute to the collaborative efforts of all involved, including colleagues from the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team.
At the University of Chester, where both sisters were studying international business, Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons paid a heartfelt tribute. She described how both Hajra and Haleema had left a lasting impression on their peers, academic staff, and friends. “They touched the lives of many here at Chester,” she said, “and they will be deeply missed.”
An adjournment of the inquest has been made, with a date for its conclusion yet to be determined. In the meantime, enquiries by local authorities persist as the community seeks answers and reassurance in the wake of this deeply saddening event.
The incident has prompted renewed discussion around safety at remote beauty spots that have surged in popularity, bringing into focus the need for heightened awareness amongst visitors to natural water sites. As tributes pour in for the Zahid sisters, emphasis remains on cooperation with the ongoing investigation and the support offered to those grieving their loss.