A hero uncle drowned at a beauty spot waterfall while trying to rescue his two nieces as they cooled off on a sunny day, an inquest heard.
Mohananeethan Muruganantharajah, 27, known as Mohan, was on a family day out in the Brecon Beacons when the tragedy unfolded.
An inquest heard the family were cooling off at the stunning Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall in Ystradfellte, Wales on September 1, 2023 when they began to get into difficulty.
Qualified pilot Mohan – who ran an off-licence in Swansea – rushed to help and heroically saved his two nieces from the water.
But he was tragically dragged below the surface himself and was later found dead.
Coroner Patricia Morgan said: ‘The purpose of the visit was to walk and enjoy the scenery.
‘When arriving at the waterfall, a number of members of his family decided to enter the water as the weather was pleasant.
‘Due to a number of Mohananeethan’s family getting into some difficulty, he assisted them to safety. However, sadly Mohananeethan was pulled under the water and did not resurface.
Mohananeethan Muruganantharajah, 27, known as Mohan, (pictured) was on a family day out in the Brecon Beacons when the tragedy happened
The family were cooling off at the stunning Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall (pictured) when they began to struggle
Mohan, a qualified pilot, heroically saved his two nieces from the water but was tragically dragged below the surface himself and was later found dead, an inquest heard
‘Emergency services attended but were unable to rescue Mohananeethan. He was recovered from the water on Saturday, September 2, 2023, when he was declared deceased.’
A previous hearing was told Sri Lankan-born Mohan had been dragged under the falls and became stuck below a ledge on September 2.
Rescue teams were called but he could not be saved.
Coroner Patricia Morgan returned a conclusion of accidental death.
Mohan was located using underwater cameras but could not be recovered until the following morning.
Friends paid tribute to the pilot, saying he ‘touched so many lives’.
A tribute from his badminton club in Swansea said: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mohan.
A tribute from Mohan’s badminton club in Swansea said: ‘He touched the lives of so many and brought warmth and love to all who knew him with his never-ending smile’
The Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall is popular with walkers and photographers for its cascading falls
His family have called for more warning signs about the dangers the waterfall poses
‘He touched the lives of so many and brought warmth and love to all who knew him with his never-ending smile.
‘Thank you for your love, support, and compassion during this challenging time.’
His family have called for more warning signs at the waterfall about the dangers the site poses.
The Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall is popular with walkers and photographers for its cascading falls dropping from almost 40ft high.
It is also known as the ‘Fall of the Fuller’ and is situated on the Afon Mellte River.
