The two people found in the River Tawe in Swansea on Christmas Day have been named by police. Emergency services were called at around 3.05am on Christmas Day following reports that a car had gone into the River Tawe at New Cut Road. A black Mini John Cooper Works was found fully submerged in the river. The bodies of a woman and a man, both aged 36, were recovered nearby.
South Wales Police have now confirmed that the driver of the mini has been named as Rachel Curtis from the Bonymaen area of Swansea. The male passenger of the car has been named as Jay Kyle Jenkins from the St Thomas area. Their families continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
A large crane was used to pull the wreckage of a car from the river near the junction of the A483 and New Cut Road in Swansea on Christmas Day. A police cordon remained in place for much of the day as the recovery took place. South Wales Police said it was carrying out investigations to ascertain what caused the crash
Read more: Two bodies recovered from river in Swansea after car ends up in the water
The family of Rachel Curtis have released the following tribute through their family liaison officer: “Rachel was a funny, intelligent and unique person. She was extremely talented and creative in nails and art. She worked at the Liberty Stadium teaching therapeutic art and nail art.
“She was a self-defence instructor and an elite security instructor, trained as a close protection officer and door supervisor. She helped raise money for the 'Jack Lewis Foundation' which is a suicide prevention charity. Rachel also raised money for “Matthews House” a homeless charity and was involved in youth projects helping young girls. Rachel will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her 14 year old son. “
A tribute has yet to be released for Jay Jenkins. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the car go into the river, or who has CCTV or dash cam footage that may have captured the incident, to contact them by one of the following means quoting occurrence number 2200429694. They also wish to speak to anyone who may have seen or spoken to either Rachel or Jay prior to the incident to come forward.
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