Two sisters who died at a beauty spot in a national park both drowned, an inquest has heard. Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, were pulled from the water at the Watkin Pools at Eryri in the Nant Gwynant area of Gwynedd last week. A brief hearing at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon on Wednesday was told both women had travelled to the north Wales national park, also known as Snowdonia, with university friends. The inquest was adjourned while further investigations take place. Sarah Riley, assistant coroner for north-west Wales, said the sisters "entered the water and sadly both died as a result of drowning". "I offer my sincere condolences to their family, friends and all who knew and loved them," she added. The sisters, who were both born in Pakistan but lived in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, were students at the University of Chester and the institution previously said they had "touched the lives of many" since starting master's degrees in international business earlier this year. A former colleague of Haleema Zahid at a telecommunications company in Islamabad, Pakistan, said in a tribute that she was "an exceptionally compassionate, hardworking and kind individual". Dr Bilal Saeed added she had "touched the lives of many with her warmth, professionalism and unwavering dedication". Ms Zahid had left the firm to pursue higher education in the UK, he added. Sheharyar Shahnawaz, another ex-colleague, said Haleema Zahid was an "amazing lady, very lively and energetic, someone you would want in your life". He said that she became the pillar of her family after the death of her father last year and he had seen her just before she left for the UK when she told him she was "really excited for this new chapter". The Watkin Path is one of the main routes to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa, which is also known as Snowdon. North Wales Police said officers were called at about 21:30 BST on 11 June after a report one woman had been pulled from the water and another was said to be in one of the pools. The force added both women were pronounced dead at about 23:00.
Sisters drowned in mountain pools at national park, inquest told
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"Inquest Confirms Drowning of Sisters at Eryri National Park"
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TruthLens AI Summary
The tragic drowning of two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, occurred at the picturesque Watkin Pools in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, in Gwynedd, Wales. The sisters had traveled to the national park with friends from the University of Chester, where they were pursuing master's degrees in international business. During a brief inquest held at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon, assistant coroner Sarah Riley confirmed that both women had drowned after entering the water. She expressed her condolences to their family and friends, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew them. The inquest was adjourned pending further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident, which took place on June 11, 2023, when police were alerted to the scene at approximately 21:30 BST. Emergency responders pronounced both sisters dead by 23:00 the same evening.
The Zahid sisters were originally from Pakistan but had been living in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Their academic pursuits at the University of Chester had been marked by a significant impact on their peers, as noted by university officials who stated that they had "touched the lives of many" since commencing their studies earlier in the year. Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends, emphasizing Haleema's compassionate nature and her dedication to her work prior to her studies in the UK. One former colleague described her as an exceptionally kind individual, while another mentioned her vibrant personality and the pivotal role she played in her family after their father's passing. The Watkin Path, where the incident occurred, is a popular route leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, Wales' highest mountain, indicating the area's significance as a recreational destination. The community mourns the loss of the sisters, whose lives were cut short in this tragic event.
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