TRIBUTES have been paid to a pilot who sacrificed his life to save two children from Welsh waterfall.
Mohananeethan Muruganantharaja, 27, lost his life last week while rescuing his two young nieces from the treacherous waters of Sgwd Y Pannwr falls at Ystradfellte, reported The Telegraph.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mohan. He touched the lives of so many and brought warmth and love to all who knew him with his never ending smile," Muruganantharaja’s badminton club in Swansea said in a tribute.
“Thank you for your love, support, and compassion during this challenging time.”
The distressing incident occurred on Friday (1) afternoon when Muruganantharaja, who had spotted his nieces in peril, didn't hesitate to jump into the water to save them.
His niece recounted the harrowing moment, saying, "My uncle came in to pull us out one by one." While he succeeded in rescuing his nieces from the fast-moving river, he himself got caught in its relentless current.
Tragically, the Sri Lankan-born pilot was unable to reach the safety of the riverbank and disappeared from view, leaving his family and onlookers in shock and distress.
Emergency services were immediately summoned to the scene, including an air ambulance. Desperate efforts were made to save his life, but the treacherous waters had claimed their hero.
His niece described the moment when it became clear that something was gravely wrong: "I could see his hands slipping into the water. We thought he was doing some sort of trick like he does in the sea, going underwater and grabbing our legs."
Muruganantharaja's body was eventually recovered at approximately 7pm, but due to adverse weather conditions, it could not be retrieved until the following morning when specialist divers were brought in.
Despite being a qualified pilot, Muruganantharaja worked in an off-licence in Swansea, demonstrating his dedication to his family's well-being. His grieving family members have called for more prominent warning signs at the waterfall, emphasising the need to remind visitors of the potential dangers.
While there was a sign at the site, it was considered insufficient by the family. His niece expressed her concerns, saying, "I want a sign to be there to remind people that people have died, that you're risking your life by going in the water." She further highlighted the troubling sight of people swimming in the pool just hours after her uncle's body was recovered.
“We were called to Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall, Ystradfellte, at approximately 4.40pm on Friday to a report of a man having gone into the water to rescue two children and not come out," said a spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police.
“A multi-agency response was commenced with representation from the police, fire service, mountain rescue, HART and both the UK Air Rescue Team and the Wales Air Ambulance landing their aircrafts nearby.”
Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall, often called the 'Fall of the Fuller', attracts hikers and photographers due to its dramatic 40-foot cascades along the Afon Mellte river.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)