Pembrokeshire County Council Leader David Simpson has expressed his sorrow at those lost in Saturday's paddle boarding accident in Haverfordwest, which saw three people die in the Cleddau river.

A former soldier and father-of-three who died in a paddle boarding accident on a river in west Wales lost his life after jumping into the water to save two women in distress, it has been claimed.

Paul O'Dwyer was pronounced dead on the banks of the Cleddau river in Haverfordwest on Saturday, October 30.

Two women were also pronounced dead at the scene, and another woman remains in a critical condition in the ICU of Withybush Hospital.

A further five people were pulled out of the river by the emergency services uninjured.

Cllr Simpson said: “We are all by now aware of the incident that happened on Saturday on the River Cleddau alongside County Hall in Haverfordwest.

Western Telegraph:

“The outcome on Saturday was tragic and I’m sure like me our thoughts go out to all those involved and our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of those who sadly have lost their lives.

“This is an ongoing investigation led by the police so I kindly request that we allow the police time to undertake their review.

“I want to pass on my sincere gratitude to all those involved in dealing with this incident.”