Three people who died while paddleboarding named
The accident happened in the Cleddau river on Saturday
Last updated 2nd Nov 2021
Two women and a man who died in a paddleboarding accident on a river in west Wales on Saturday have been named.
They were all part of a group of nine people on a weekend exploring the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest.
The two women were 24-year-old Morgan Rogers from Merthyr Tydfil and 40-year-old Nicola Wheatley from Pontarddulais.
The other person who died was 42-year-old Paul O'Dwyer from Sandfields in Port Talbot.
Their families say they were much loved and that their loss is devastating.
Another woman remains in a critical condition in hospital, five other people were pulled out of the river by the emergency services but had no injuries.
One of those on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven, said Mr O’Dwyer died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir.
Ms Mckinven said she had pulled out of the morning paddle because she was concerned about the weather conditions.
Tribute to Morgan Rogers
A statement from Miss Rogers’ family, given to the PA news agency, said:
“Morgan was a beautiful, kind and loving soul, beloved by all who have been touched by her warm smile and her caring personality.
“Morgan was never happier than when she was in the outdoors doing what she loved and spending time with her family.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and all those she has known along the way. Morgan will always be in our hearts and our memories. We will miss her dearly.”
Tribute from the family of Nicola Wheatley
“We are devastated by our loss. Nicola was a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife.
Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. She was amazing in every way.
She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.
Mr O'Dwyer's family statement
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Paul O'Dwyer aged 42, who gave his life to save others.
He was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. He devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes.
Paul was a water baby. His passion for the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age.
His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. He was an army surfing champion, British Army 7 aside rugby team member, Aberavon Green stars rugby player, ski instructor and completed multiple times in British and Welsh 3 peak events.
His tick list also included the London Marathon, running a 100 mile race, numerous triathlons including Ironman Wales and recently Stand Up Paddle boarding 100 miles in 21 hours to raise money for heart screening in Port Talbot. Paul also helped to set up a charity Sa1ute to support veterans.
We as a family are truly thankful for the kind messages sent to us in our time of great sadness.”
Reports of persons in distress
In a statement read outside Haverfordwest Police Station, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees of Dyfed-Powys Police revealed the nine people got into difficulties after reaching the weir near Quay Street.
Mr Rees said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of persons in distress to Cleddau river in Haverfordwest shortly after 9am on Saturday October 30.
“A group of nine adults from the South Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddleboarding excursion yet had got into difficulties at the weir adjacent to Quay Street.