A former soldier and father-of-three who died in a paddle-boarding accident on a river in Haverofrdwest lost his life after trying to save two women in distress, it has been claimed.
Tributes have poured in for Paul O'Dwyer, who was also a charity fundraiser and businessman, following the loss of three lives in a paddle-boarding tragedy — his best friend of 22 years, Lee West, paid tribute to him here.
The group of paddle-boarders were on a weekend away together exploring the river. One of the paddle boarders who was on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven, said Mr O'Dwyer had died attempting to rescue two fellow paddle-boarders, the Press Association reports.
Ms Mckinven said: "Paul did lose his life attempting to save two of the girls also in distress due to an unexpected downpour. Absolutely heartbreaking, was all good friends. And did so much to raise money for charities."
Mr O'Dwyer and two women were 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.
Mr O'Dwyer was an ex-soldier and had served with The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers 108 Welsh Squadron militia.
After leaving the military he became one one of the founders of charity SA1UTE, which supports veterans in the South Wales area. He was also a former director of Swansea's Copr bar and worked to help the homeless in the city. SA1UTE has said it is raising money for Mr O'Dwyer's family, with over £300 already donated.
Best friend Mr West said: "We've been best friends for 22 years. We met in the military and he was one of those people you just clicked with. We had the same sense of humour, the same sense of adventure and we hit it off straight from the start. I was best man at his wedding and we both went to New York together a couple of years ago to celebrate our 40th birthdays.
"He was great fun. He'd be like your corny uncle in the corner, with his corny jokes. He resigned as director of Copr Bar because he had other obligations but we would still meet up. We have a walking club and we'd go on that and he'd bring his children along. He always put them first.
"I had only messaged Paul yesterday about meeting up to talk about charity plans after lockdown. It's hard to believe that I will not now ever get a reply from him or go on our crazy adventures.
He was also a member of the Aberavon Green Stars RFC. The club paid tribute to his "upbeat" character and "infectious smile".
It described Mr O'Dwyer as an "avid adventurer, whether he would be paddle boarding, surfing, skiing, walking, or climbing nothing was too small for Paul to achieve". It added: "No doubt Paul put his own life on the line yesterday to make sure others were safe."
Also paying tribute was Mumbles' RNLI Lifeboat Station.
A spokesman said: "Our deepest condolences to family and friends of Paul O’Dwyer who was tragically killed in an accident on the weekend in Haverfordwest.
"Paul was an avid fundraiser for the RNLI. He loved being on the water and was a close friend of some of our crew and at Port Talbot Lifeboat station.
"His commitment to fundraising was recognised when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited The Mumbles lifeboat station early last year. Paul was a keen fisherman, sailor and paddle boarder.
"He died as he lived - a true hero, paying the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of others. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
The detective leading the investigation into how the three paddleboarders died said on Sunday he was committed to finding out what led to the tragedy unfolding.
In a statement read outside Haverfordwest Police Station, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the group of nine people had got into difficulties after reaching the weir near Quay Street.
Mr Rees said: "Dyfed-Powys Police received reports of persons in distress to Cleddau river in Haverfordwest shortly after 9am, on Saturday October 30. A group of nine adults from the south Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle boarding excursion yet had got into difficulties at the weir adjacent to Quay street.
"A significant operation, a rescue operation, was commenced involving resources from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Wales Ambulance Service Trust, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Coast Guard and the RNLI. Search activity was assisted by helicopters. The exact circumstances of the incident are being thoroughly investigated. At this stage, my thoughts and the thoughts of my colleagues are with the family of those who lost loved ones, and of the injured person who remains in hospital.
"Paddle boarding is a growing leisure pursuit and we would encourage those engaging in the activity to ensure they understand the weather conditions and water conditions at a particular location where they may be enjoying that sport."
