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The driver of the Mini Cooper Rachel Curtis and passenger Jay Kyle Jenkins died after their vehicle crashed into the River Tawe on New Cut Road in the early hours of Christmas Day. Emergency services were called to the scene in Swansea at around 3:05am, but both 36-year-old victims of the crash were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Following their deaths, tributes from family members and close friends have poured in for the pair, who had themselves been friends since school.

A statement from the family of Ms Curtis described her as a “funny, intelligent and unique person,” adding that she was “extremely talented and creative”.

The statement, released through a family liaison officer, reported: “Rachel will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her 14-year-old son.”

The statement described Ms Curtis as a talented nail artist and avid charity fundraiser who had worked to support the Jack Lewis Foundation, a suicide prevention network, and Matthews House, a homeless charity.

The family added: “She worked at the Liberty Stadium teaching therapeutic art and nail art. She was a self-defence instructor and an elite security instructor, trained as a close protection officer and door supervisor.”

The family of the passenger, Mr Jenkins, described him as “our beautiful, kind boy”.

Their statement added: “Jay was a kind, genuine soul who was always helping other people. The local community is devastated.”

Mr Jenkins worked as an electrician and was from the St Thomas area in Swansea.

South Wales Police reported Ms Curtis and Mr Jenkins had been good friends for years, since meeting in their school days.

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Lucia Watkins, a friend of Ms Curtis, posted her own tribute on Facebook, noting that their close bond had made her university experience “memorable”.

She wrote: “I still can’t believe you have gone. I will miss our chats and your crazy sense of humour.”

She added: “I will always remember you for your sense of humour, brains and talent in drawing.”

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South Wales Police have launched an appeal for information following the crash.

The pair were understood to have been traveling in a black Mini John Cooper Works, which was discovered fully submerged in the River Tawe.

Witnesses or people that may be in possession of useful CCTV or dashcam footage are encouraged to contact the police, quoting occurrence number 2200429694. 

The force added that the families of the victims are being supported by specially trained officers.

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