Tributes have been paid to a long-serving firefighter who died after a fall from a bridge.
Stuart Griffiths, 38, was on his way home from watching Wales beat Turkey in the Euro 2020 tournament when he and another man fell from a bridge in Pontyclun.
An inquest into his death heard how he had been walking home with some friends when he and another man lost balance on the Cowbridge Road bridge and both toppled into the water. His body was recovered from the shallow river but he died at the scene despite the best efforts of the emergency services.
Mr Griffiths, from Brynsadler, was a firefighter who joined the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2002 and has been described as immensely proud and professional while doing so.
Paying tribute to his colleague, Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway said: "Following the sad and tragic passing of Firefighter Stuart Griffiths, our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family, friends and colleagues of Firefighter Griffiths at this difficult time.
"Firefighter Griffiths joined the Service in 2002 and served the communities of south Wales with immense professionalism and pride. We are privileged to have known him as a colleague and a friend and he will be greatly missed by us all.
"As mark of respect all service flags are flying at half-mast until further notice."
Emergency services were called around 8.30pm on Wednesday, June 16, just hours after Wales' match against Turkey.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now under way. A 50-year-old man has been assisting officers with the investigation and specially-trained officers are supporting Mr Griffiths' family.
The inquest was opened and adjourned until December 7, 2022.
