In a heart-wrenching incident in North Wales, two sisters tragically lost their lives after reportedly drowning in a picturesque beauty spot. The sisters, 29-year-old Hajra Zahid and her 25-year-old sibling Haleema Zahid, were believed to have succumbed to the water while fully clothed during an outing at Eryri National Park. The accident occurred on the evening of 11 June 2025, when the sisters were with three male friends at the popular Watkin Pools site.
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According to reports from local media, Hajra and Haleema had travelled from their home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to enjoy the scenic surroundings and were last seen heading away from their group towards the pools. The area is well-known for its swimming opportunities and stunning waterfall, appealing to both locals and tourists alike. The Watkin Path, which leads to the summit of Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales, runs through this popular location.
During the outing, the group opted to split to accommodate religious sensitivities and provide the sisters with some privacy. However, when it was time to regroup, Hajra and Haleema did not respond to the repeated calls from their friends. Concern grew when their belongings were found abandoned near the water’s edge. It was then that their friends made the grim discovery of Hajra floating in the water. While they managed to retrieve her, Haleema was still missing.
Rescue efforts by the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team soon commenced, but unfortunately, both sisters were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators indicated that the sisters, who were reportedly unable to swim, likely slipped or fell in an area near the pools. A post-mortem subsequently confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
At the inquest conducted at Caernarfon Coroner’s Court, Assistant Coroner for North West Wales, Sarah Riley, described the incident as “extremely tragic” and concluded that the sisters’ deaths were accidental. She noted the evidence that neither sister was seeking to swim and commented on the hazardous conditions, mentioning particularly slippery rocks that may have contributed to their fall.
Riley expressed her condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy, saying, “This is an extremely tragic case and my thoughts remain with them.” It was established that the sisters had relocated to the UK just a few months prior to their deaths to pursue Master’s degrees in international business at the University of Chester.
Hajra’s husband, Hessham Minhas, shared heartfelt tributes in court, highlighting his late wife’s commitment to family and her dream of achieving educational goals for a better future. He reflected on her ambition and the lasting impact she had on the lives around her.
Haleema’s friend, Raja Azem, also offered an emotional tribute, remembering her as a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. The loss of the two young women, both with promising futures ahead of them, has left a profound impact on their community and peers.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths, both families are left to mourn and remember the sisters for their vibrancy and potential, cut short in a moment of unforeseen tragedy. The North West Wales Coroner’s Office and North Wales Police have thus far maintained a level of silence regarding the ongoing inquiries. Nevertheless, the tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers present in natural settings, particularly for those who may not be experienced swimmers.