News

Milford Haven fast food worker tragically took his own life, inquest hears

Published

3 years ago

November 26, 2021

A MILFORD HAVEN fast food worker took his own life after drinking a large quantity of alcohol, the local Coroner, Paul Bennet, has ruled.

It was confirmed on Thursday that Ferdi Asenov, aged 20, was born in Bulgaria. He attended school there, and upon leaving he “worked in a bakery making pastries, croissants, and pizza.”

He then came to Wales, living in Charles Street, Milford Haven in a flat above where he worked at USA Fried Chicken

Acting coroner’s officer, Maggie Julien, explained that Mr Asenov had never drunk alcohol or used drugs in Bulgaria and had only started drinking socially when he came to the Britain.

There was no sign of depression, and in fact he was described during the hearing as a person who “was in general good spirits, planning to return to Bulgaria in the summer for a holiday.”

Mr Asenov, who was single, was last seen by his friend and his employer at 11.40pm on April 16 this year when they shut up shop.

The following day he rang him at 1pm but could not reach him, which was unusual. He broke the door to Mr Asenov’s flat down and found him dead.

Police were called to the premises and confirmed to The Herald the following day that there were no suspicious circumstances in connection with the tragic death.

Mr Asenov’s level of blood alcohol was 198 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of blood according to a post mortem, a very high reading, which would have inevitably had an effect on motor and cognitive functions.

The cause of death was given as hanging.

Coroner, Paul Bennett, recorded a conclusion of suicide saying that he believed there had been an intention by Mr Asenov to end his life.

“I would wish to convey my condolences to his family on such a tragic end to Mr Asenov’s life and to say how sorry that the circumstances are such that led him to take his life,” he said.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.