Tributes paid to Swansea woman who died after her Mini entered the River Tawe on Christmas Day

Tributes have been paid to the driver of a black Mini who died after her vehicle entered the River Tawe in Swansea City Centre in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Emergency services were called at around 3.05am on Christmas Day 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. The bodies of a woman and a man, both aged 36, were recovered. Their families continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

The driver of the Mini has been named as Rachel Curtis from the Bonymaen area of Swansea.

Rachel’s family have released a tribute to her: “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.

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 one of the following means 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.

(Lead image: South Wales Police / Family photo)