Tragedy in Snowdonia: Two Sisters Drown in Pool During Trip With Friends

Two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, have tragically died after drowning in pools along the Watkin Path on Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon) in North Wales during a trip with university friends on June 11, 2025.

The sisters, originally from Pakistan but residing in Maltby, Rotherham, were both students at Chester Business School, pursuing a Master’s degree in International Business. The incident occurred at one of the beauty spots popular for wild swimming near Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd.

According to inquest proceedings opened today in Caernarfon, Assistant Coroner for North-West Wales, Sarah Riley, confirmed:
“Hajra and Haleema had travelled to the Nant Gwynant area with friends from university. They entered the water and sadly both died as a result of drowning.”

The sisters were identified by a friend present during the trip. The inquest has been adjourned to allow further investigations into the circumstances of their deaths.
“I offer my sincere condolences to their family, friends and all who knew and loved them,” the coroner added.

Emergency services, including a Llanberis mountain rescue team, an air ambulance, and a coastguard helicopter, were deployed after police received a distress call around 9:30 p.m. One woman was initially pulled from the water, while the second was recovered shortly after and pronounced dead at the scene just before 11:00 p.m.

Tributes have poured in for the sisters, especially Haleema, who former colleagues in Islamabad described as deeply compassionate and dedicated.
“She touched the lives of many with her warmth, professionalism and unwavering dedication,” said Dr. Bilal Saeed, a former colleague.
Another former colleague, Sheharyar Shahnawaz, described her as the “pillar of her family” following the death of their father last year.

The University of Chester also mourned the loss.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons said:
“Haleema and Hajra touched the lives of many here at Chester – their friends, the cohort of their course and the staff who taught them – and they will be deeply missed.”

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the university community and raised awareness about the risks of wild swimming in remote mountain pools.