Aled Glynne Davies: Ex-BBC editor dies from 'dry drowning' after falling into river on New Year's Eve
A former BBC editor died following a New Year’s Eve meal when he fell into a river, an inquest has heard.
Aled Glynne Davies, 65, was reported missing after he went for a late-night walk along River Taff in Cardiff, Wales. His body was discovered four days later after an extensive search involving more than 400 people.
The coroner, Kate Robertson, concluded that Aled had likely fallen into the river while urinating, as his trousers were unzipped. The court heard that Aled died from "dry drowning," which causes cardiac arrest before the lungs fill with water.
Aled, the former editor of BBC Radio Cymru, had been out for dinner with his wife, Afryl, and left for a walk just before midnight. Afryl told the inquest that while it was unusual for her husband to go out so late, he had been in high spirits and was looking forward to their son's wedding.
Afryl stated: "He had taken his house keys. That proved to me that he intended to come home that night. He was afraid of water and felt the cold terribly."
Pathologist Dr Meleri Morgan confirmed Aled was alive when he entered the water, and alcohol was not a factor in his death. His son, Gruffudd Glyn, said at the time: "We are heartbroken to announce that Dad was discovered in the river this morning... Let us all celebrate Dad's life."