Man who died at waterfall near Glynneath named

Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed that the man who died at a waterfall near Glynneath on Monday was Hemanta Kumar Rai, from Farnborough in Hampshire.

The 28-year-old, who had been at the falls with friends, died after getting into difficulties in the water at Pontneddfechan (also known as Pontneathvaughan) at lunchtime on 16 August.

A multi-agency rescue was launched at the time, with officers from Dyfed Powys Police, South Wales Police, the fire and rescue service, mountain rescue and ambulance, however, despite the efforts of all involved Mr Rai died at the scene.

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “On Monday, August 16, at 1.37pm, crews from Swansea Central and Abercrave, along with crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, were called to a water rescue in the Pontneddfechan area following reports of a male entering the water.

“Five search and rescue teams were deployed to the incident.

“Sadly, a male casualty was pronounced dead at the scene. The police and ambulance service were also in attendance. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service handed the incident over to the police at 4.45pm.”

Dyfed Powys Police say that next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed.

Lead image: Sgwd Gwladys, one of the waterfalls at Pontneddfechan (Image: Geograph)