A university student died after getting into difficulty in the water beneath one of Powys’ most popular waterfalls, an inquest has heard.
Mahesh Ramesh Khandagale, 23, from India, was visiting the Sgwd y Pannwr waterfall in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park with a friend on Tuesday, March 31, when the tragedy happened.
An inquest into his death was opened at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Friday, April 17, where details of the incident at the picturesque ‘Waterfall Country’ beauty spot in the Brecon Beacons were shared.
The court heard that Mr Khandagale, who was studying in the UK, was filmed stepping into the water below the waterfall. He later got into difficulty and was submerged by a current before failing to resurface.
Coroner Andrew Morse said the evidence pointed to the student entering the water and “sadly passing away after getting into difficulty”.
Following a post-mortem examination, a pathologist recorded the provisional cause of death as pending further investigation, with toxicology tests to be carried out.
Opening the inquest, Mr Morse confirmed the death was considered unnatural and requested statements from emergency services, including ambulance, police, and fire and rescue crews who attended the scene. He also asked for background information about Mr Khandagale from his family.
“I offer my condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Khandagale,” the coroner said, before adjourning the inquest to a date yet to be fixed.
Mr Khandagale, originally from Mumbai, India, was a master’s student in Finance and Investment Banking at the University of Hertfordshire.
Following his death, the Indian National Students Association has raised more than £10,000 towards a £20,000 fundraising target to repatriate his body to India and support his family.
On a JustGiving page, the association said Mr Khandagale came from a “humble, middle-class family” in Maharashtra and had moved to the UK with the dream of creating a better future for himself and his loved ones.
Described as “sincere, hardworking and grounded”, the page said he was a loving son and a dependable, warm friend who enjoyed sports such as football and cricket and had a strong passion for travel.
One close friend wrote: “Yash went to London to pursue his dreams. He brought joy and energy wherever he went, and he will always remain in our hearts. Though he is no more, his memories will stay with us forever.”
The fundraising page added that Mr Khandagale’s sudden death had left his family devastated emotionally and financially, with funds going towards repatriation costs and easing the burden during “this extremely difficult time.”
Share