A FORMER cop has been charged over the deaths of four people who were killed in a paddleboarding tragedy.
Paul O’Dwyer, 42, Andrea Powell, 41, Morgan Rogers24, and Nicola Wheatley, 40, died after they got into difficulty on the River Cleddau, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
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Police have now charged Nerys Lloyd, 39, who owns Salty Dog – the company operating the tour.
She is accused of four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one Health and Safety offence.
The former police officer is due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 3.
The horror unfolded when the group of nine set out on the paddleboarding tour on October 30, 2021.
They got caught in heavy downpours just after 9am as emergency crews were raced to the scene.
Former soldier Paul was killed as he jumped into the water in a bid to save the women.
Mum Andrea, who worked as a dental therapist, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved.
Four other people on the paddleboarding trip survived the horror.
Morgan’s family paid tribute following the tragedy, saying she was the “best that she could be” and would be “sadly missed”.
While Nicola’s loved ones said said her death had “left a void in (their) lives that will never be filled”.
Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie, of the Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Following a lengthy and complex investigationworking closely with the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Service, Nerys Lloyd has today been charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and one count under the Health and Safety At Work Act.
“The families of those who died and those who survived the incident have all been informed.
“As criminal proceedings are now under way it is important that there is no reporting, commentary or online posting that could prejudice this case.”
While Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said the charge relates to a “commercial paddleboarding river tour”.
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