Helen Patching, Rachael Patching and Corey Longdon

PFD Report Response Pending Ref: 2026-0081
Date of Report 9 February 2026
Coroner Rachel Knight
Coroner Area South Wales Central
Response Deadline est. 6 April 2026
Other related deaths Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Judiciary.uk Report PDF
13 days left · 0 of 5 responded
Sent To
Response Status
Responses 0 of 5
56-Day Deadline 6 Apr 2026
13 days left to respond
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Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.

Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Coroner’s Concerns
(1) There is a high rate of accidents, including some fatal accidents, from trips and slips in 5 the area known as Waterfall Country; (2) A previous Prevention of Future Death report has led to the erection of signage concerning the risk of drowning in the water itself. However, the current signage provision does not adequately address the significant additional risk of accidental falling. Many walkers fail to understand the official routes, closed and open paths and the significant risks they face; (3) Serious and fatal accidents will continue to occur unless these risks are addressed; and (4) Mobile telephone signal is poor to non-existent in certain more remote areas, which creates delay in alerting emergency services when accidents do occur.
Action Should Be Taken
Coroner’s Office, The Old Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Pontypridd, CF37 1JW Phone/Ffon (01443)281100 Fax/Ffacs (01443)485862
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
.... . ___ . ' Coroner’s Office, The Old Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Pontypridd, CF37 1JW Phone/Ffon (01443)281100 Fax/Ffacs (01443)485862

On 22nd January 2026 I held a hearing where three inquests were conjoined as they all raised the same issue. The inquests related to the deaths of Helen Patching, Rachael Patching and Corey Longdon. I attach the Records of Inquest for each of the deceased. All three died accidental deaths within the area known as Waterfall Country within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons).
Circumstances of the Death
The hearing focused upon:-
a. The safety measures in place in Waterfall Country
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.