Women who died at national park beauty spot were uni students

Tributes have been paid to two women who died after being pulled from the water at one of Wales’ national parks.

Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, were found in pools on the Watkin Path – which leads to the summit of Yr Wyddfa – also known as Snowdon – on 11 June.

University of Chester said the women “touched the lives of many” since starting masters degrees in international business earlier this year.

An inquest into their deaths is due to be opened on Wednesday by the coroner for north-west Wales.

“The University of Chester community is in mourning for the tragic loss,” said the vice-chancellor, Prof Eunice Simmons.

“They touched the lives of many here at Chester – their friends, the cohort on their course and the staff who taught them – and they will be deeply missed.

The Watkin Path is one of the main routes to the summit of Wales’ highest mountain.

North Wales Police said officers were called to Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd, at 21:31 BST after a report that one woman had been pulled from the water and another was said to be in one of the pools.

Det Ch Insp Andy Gibson of North Wales Police said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of both women.

“An investigation to establish what happened is now under way.”

Chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team Jurgen Dissmann added: “I extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the two women who sadly lost their lives.”