A MARRIED couple who died at a waterfall beauty spot have been described as "devoted, selfless and loving".
Rachael and Helen Patching, 33 and 52, will be remembered for "their endless laughter" and were a "credit to themselves and society", their families added.
The couple, from Kent, were pulled from icy waters at the Four Waterfalls Walk at Brecon Beacons last week. They had been trekking during a New Year getaway.
Two bodies were found after a five-day search. Police are still working out how they got into the water.
Their families said: "We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss following the news of Rachael and Helen's passing at just 33 and 52.
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"They were such a devoted, selfless, and loving couple having had an immensely positive impact on all those they met.
"Their love for animals and dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made them a truly admirable credit to themselves and society.
"Their endless laughter will be forever remembered by all who had the honour to know them.
"There are no words that can express enough how highly they were both thought of by family members, friends, and colleagues."
One of the women's bodies was found within hours of them going into the water last Wednesday and the other was found on Saturday.
The families added in a statement: "We would like to thank all those who have provided such generous support and guidance, including the unwavering commitment of the Brecon Beacons Mountain Rescue volunteers, the police, National Police Air Support, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, National Resource Wales, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Powys County Council for helping so selflessly at such a difficult time.
"We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so."
Dyfed-Powys Police said the search operation was hampered by 'high fast-flowing' water.
Experienced hillwalker Phil Evans, 61, said: "It's usually pretty safe up there - but like anywhere else in the Beacons there are risks.
"The water will be extremely cold at this time of year, you're not going to survive for long and we've had a lot of rain so there will be rapids forming."
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Inquests will be held at a later date.
