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A promising academic journey ended in heartbreak at the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, leaving a family in India and a university community in Hertfordshire in mourning.
The Investigation Into Sgwd y Pannwr Incident
Following the tragic events at the Sgwd y Pannwr falls, authorities have moved into a formal investigative phase to determine the exact circumstances of the death of 23-year-old Mahesh Ramesh Khandagale. An inquest was formally opened at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Friday, 17 April, where initial evidence was presented regarding the final moments of the MSc Finance and Investment Banking student.
The court heard that Khandagale, known affectionately as "Yash," was visiting the popular Four Waterfalls walk with a companion when he entered the water and was subsequently submerged by a powerful current. While the coroner indicated that the death currently appears to be a tragic accident resulting from the deceased getting into difficulty in the water, the hearing has been adjourned to allow for a comprehensive investigation. Local emergency services, including fire, ambulance, and police units, attended the scene on 31 March, but were unable to save the young man.
A Final Connection From Afar
Chilling details have emerged regarding the final minutes of Khandagale's life, which were captured via a digital link to his home in Maharashtra, India. It has been confirmed that the student was using a new GoPro camera to livestream his hike to his mother via a webcam call. Witnesses and family reports indicate that his mother, watching from thousands of miles away, saw him approach the water's edge and explicitly warned him to stay back.
Khandagale, who was not a proficient swimmer, reportedly stepped into the water to gauge its depth before the current took hold. This digital record of the incident is expected to form a central part of the evidence reviewed during the resumed inquest.
Community Support and Repatriation Efforts
In the wake of the tragedy, the Indian National Students Association and the University of Hertfordshire have mobilised to support the bereaved family. A fundraising campaign has already secured more than £10,000, a sum intended to cover the significant costs of repatriating Khandagale’s body to India and to assist his family with the sudden financial strain.
A close friend told a journalist that Yash was a man who brought joy and energy wherever he went, noting that his passion for football, cricket, and travel reflected a deep love for life and new experiences. A spokesperson for the Indian National Students Association told a journalist that Mahesh moved to the UK with dreams of building a better future for his family and was a sincere, hardworking, and grounded individual.
University Response and Next Steps
The University of Hertfordshire has expressed profound grief over the loss of a "much-valued member" of their academic community. Geri Ward, the Dean of Students, told a journalist that Mahesh was respected by both staff and fellow students, and that his loss would be felt across the entire institution. The university has activated its wellbeing services to support students and faculty affected by the news.
As the formal inquest process continues, the focus remains on the safe return of the student to his home country. Local authorities in the National Park have reiterated the importance of water safety, particularly near high-flow areas like the Four Waterfalls, as the investigation seeks to prevent similar future occurrences.
