Community

Tragedy strikes Hook as 13-year-old boy takes his own life, inquest hears

Published

3 years ago

November 1, 2023

IN A DEVASTATING incident that has left a community in shock and mourning, a 13-year-old boy, Jai Palermo, was found dead just yards away from his home after taking his own life, an inquest has revealed. The heartbreaking incident unfolded on January 22, 2020, when Jai, a resident of Hook, Pembrokeshire, went missing, sparking an extensive search operation by the police and coastguard.

A four-day inquest into his tragic death began on October 30, 2023, where it was disclosed that Jai had been diagnosed with ADHD and sleeping difficulties at the tender age of six, leading to his continuous reliance on medication ever since. Despite the support he received, the young boy succumbed to his inner struggles, leaving his family and community shattered.

Jai, a student at Haverfordwest High VC School, was last seen on that fateful evening when he went to his grandmother’s house after school. Later that night, he was dropped off at his home, but inexplicably, he left the property alone. Frantic with worry, his family embarked on a desperate search, reaching out to his grandmother and father in the hopes of finding him safe and sound. Tragically, their worst fears were confirmed when, almost five hours after he was reported missing, Jai’s lifeless body was discovered in a grassy area off New Road in Hook, just four miles away from Haverfordwest.

During the emotional inquest proceedings, Jai’s mother, Nia Owen, described her son as a “lovely, lovely boy,” underscoring the profound loss experienced by the family. She recounted the heartbreaking moment when she received the devastating news from the authorities. “Two officers came in, and I remember thinking ‘he’s not with them, maybe he’s in the car.’ The lady said they had found him and I said ‘ok,’ she then said that they had found him and that he was dead. I fell to the floor,” she shared, capturing the immense grief that enveloped her.

Nia Owen also expressed her concerns about the medication, particularly methylphenidate, that had been prescribed to her son since the age of six, without any breaks in treatment. In her anguish, she wondered aloud if things might have been different had she taken him off the medication. This heart-wrenching revelation highlights the difficult decisions parents face when trying to navigate their child’s mental health struggles.

As the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young soul, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, support, and understanding within our society. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jai’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time, as they grapple with the profound loss of a beloved son and friend.

Community

Fire service sets out new flood response plan for Mid and West Wales

Published

15 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AROUND 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk of flooding, according to figures released as part of a new fire service response strategy.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has completed a major engagement process to shape how it deals with future flooding incidents.

The work brought together operational crews, partner agencies and community representatives through a series of “Flooding Balanced Room” workshops.

The service said the aim was to make sure all voices were heard equally while developing practical options for prevention, response and recovery.

Nearly 24,000 properties in the service area are at risk from river flooding, while more than 7,000 are at risk from tidal flooding.

The service attends around 300 water rescue and weather-related flooding incidents each year.

Officials say flooding is becoming more frequent and more serious because of climate change, including heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events.

Recent data also shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest number of flooding incidents taking place between October and February.

The third quarter of 2025/26 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017/18, while February 2020 and November 2025 recorded the highest monthly levels of flooding activity.

The workshops produced four key priorities: prevention first, collaboration and partnership, enhanced specialist capability, and learning and continuous improvement.

Eleven initial options were narrowed down to five main areas.

These include better public education, community flood groups, improved flood messaging with partner agencies, more staff training, improved welfare and PPE for firefighters, better vehicles and technology, and stronger post-incident support for communities.

Proposals include using flood awareness in home fire safety checks, improving training scenarios, increasing the number of qualified water incident managers, expanding drone use, and using climate data to plan future fleet and equipment needs.

The options have now been assessed, with recommendations presented to the service’s Executive Leadership Team.

The plans will feed into the service’s future flooding strategy and its Community Risk Management Plan 2040.

Iwan Cray, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Flooding Balanced Room process has highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.

“Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Wales.”

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.