Student, 19, died underneath waterfall after hiking to beauty spot with friends and being pulled under by current, inquest hears

Published: 20:09, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 20:09, 9 July 2026 A 'beloved' teenage student was pulled underwater by a 'harsh' current and drowned in a waterfall during a hiking trip with friends, an inquest heard.  Sean Kanyoza, 19, visited the Ystradfellte waterfalls beauty spot in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales on June 27.  The teenager, who was described as a 'true free spirit with a heart of gold', failed to surface after he was dragged underwater by the 'harsh current', the inquest heard on Thursday. Emergency services rushed to the scene, known as the Waterfall Country, at around 2.15pm. Despite the efforts of rescuers, Mr Kanyoza was pronounced dead.  Mr Kanyoza's friend Jamie Ward described him as a 'beloved friend', and 'one of those rare people who left a lasting impression on everyone he met'.  In a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help support Mr Kanyoza's family with funeral costs, Mr Ward wrote: 'He was a true free spirit with a heart of gold, an infectious smile, and a positivity that could brighten even the darkest day.  'No matter what life threw at him, Sean always found a reason to smile, laugh, and make those around him feel welcome.  'His kindness, generosity, and genuine love for people made him someone you could never forget. Sean Kanyoza, 19, was pulled underwater by a 'harsh' current and drowned in a waterfall in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales on June 27  'Sean had an incredible ability to lift others up. Whether you knew him for years or had only met him once, you would remember his warmth, his sense of humour, and the way he made everyone feel like a friend.  'His loss has left an enormous hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.' A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Daniel Hopkins at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital on Tuesday, which gave a cause of death as still pending amid further investigation by histology and toxicology.  The full inquest will be heard at Pontypridd Coroner's Court at a later date under coroner Rachel Knight.  A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: 'We received a call for assistance at approximately 2.15pm on Saturday following a concern for the welfare of a 19-year-old man who had entered the water at Ystradfellte waterfalls. 'Officers attended, along with colleagues from the fire and rescue service and ambulance.  'Despite the efforts of all involved, a 19-year-old man sadly died at the scene. Next of kin have been informed, as well as HM Coroner.' Mr Kanyoza's death is the seventh fatality in the area in the last seven years. The area, near the village of Pontneddfechan, is renowned for its hikes and waterfalls and attracts more than 300,000 people every year The area, near the village of Pontneddfechan, is renowned for its hikes and waterfalls and attracts more than 300,000 people every year. His death comes after Bradleigh Kurt Williams, 20, died at Pontneddfechan in 2019, after jumping more than 20ft into water.  In the summer of 2021, Hemanta Rai, 28, was found dead at the scene at the nearby Sgwd Gwladus waterfall after the current 'pulled' him under the waterfall.  That same summer, Akeem Rhoden, 22, died after jumping off a rock into water at the Sgwd Y Pannwr waterfall before his body became trapped under a ledge.  Three hikers also died in the area since 2023. Helen and Rachel Patching, aged 52 and 33, from Kent, and 26-year-old Corey Langdon, from Gloucester, who died in 2024.