Police Name River Death Couple
Families pay tribute to childhood friends who died on Christmas Day
Last updated 29th Dec 2022
Police have named the couple who died when their car plunged into the River Tawe in Swansea early on Christmas Day.
Rachel Curtis was from Bonymaen and Jay Kyle Jenkins was from St Thomas. Both were 36 years old.
Emergency services were called at around 3.05am following reports that a car had gone into the River Tawe at New Cut Road.
A black Mini John Cooper Works was found fully submerged in the river and the bodies of the couple were recovered. Their families continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
The family have released the following tribute: “Rachel was a funny, intelligent and unique person. She was extremely talented and creative in nails and art. She worked at the Liberty Stadium teaching therapeutic art and nail art.
“She was a self-defence instructor and an elite security instructor, trained as a close protection officer and door supervisor. She helped raise money for the “Jack Lewis Foundation” which is a suicide prevention charity.
"Rachel also raised money for “Matthews House” a homeless charity and was involved in youth projects helping young girls. Rachel will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her 14 year old son."
The male passenger of the car has been named as Jay Kyle Jenkins from the St Thomas area.
In a tribute, his family described him as “our beautiful, kind boy”. They added: “Jay was a kind, genuine soul who was always helping other people. The local community are devastated.”
Jay worked as an electrician and was a friend of Rachel’s since their school days.
Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the car go into the river, or who has CCTV or dash cam footage that may have captured the incident, to contact them by quoting occurrence number 2200429694.
They also wish to speak to anyone who may have seen or spoken to either Rachel or Jay prior to the incident to come forward.