Inquest Determines River Severn Death Was Likely Tragic Accident During Intoxicated Camping Trip
A woman whose death in the River Severn prompted a murder investigation likely stumbled and fell unconscious during a camping trip where she had consumed significant amounts of alcohol and drugs, a coroner has concluded. The inquest into the death of 34-year-old Natalie Dean heard that police initially treated the case as suspicious but eventually determined the circumstances pointed to a tragic accident.
Initial Murder Probe and Arrest of Boyfriend
Police launched a murder investigation after Natalie Dean's body was discovered in the River Severn near Llanidloes, Powys, Wales, over the late-May Bank Holiday weekend in 2023. Her body exhibited multiple injuries, including broken ribs and loose teeth, which raised immediate concerns. Authorities arrested and interrogated her boyfriend, Lee Page, an army veteran who had served in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The couple had been on a romantic camping break in the area at the time.
Coroner's Narrative of Events
Coroner Rachel Knight delivered a narrative verdict at the inquest in Llandrindod Wells, outlining the likely sequence of events. She stated that Natalie Dean and Lee Page had both taken a significant amount of drugs and alcohol, leaving them highly intoxicated. They purchased more alcohol and set up a makeshift camp in a field. While Mr Page lit a fire to cook, Natalie went away to urinate, venturing quite far from the tent.
"It is more than likely she was not making decisions that would make sense to a sober mind," Coroner Knight remarked. "She somehow came upon the river and injured her face as she stumbled on the river bed."
Medical Findings and Cause of Death
Forensic pathologist Dr Edward Williams reported that Natalie Dean had several substances in her blood that would have had a sedative effect when combined. Her injuries included a blunt force injury to her face, a fractured cheekbone, cuts to her mouth, loose teeth, four rib fractures, and extensive bruising and grazes on her elbows, forearms, knees, and shins.
Additionally, the inquest heard that Natalie had bronchopneumonia, a condition she was likely unaware of, which left her unable to move after the fall. Coroner Knight explained that river water found in her body likely entered passively after her death. The medical cause of death was given as the combined effect of drugs, bronchopneumonia, and being found in a river.
Police Investigation and Aftermath
Superintendent Jonathan Rees acknowledged that the cause of death had been a stumbling block for the investigation. He stated, "Sadly, there are always unknowns we may never have clarity over. My team followed every possible line of investigation." Lee Page was on bail for a year following Natalie's death until the probe was dropped in July 2024, with authorities informing him he would face no further action. Tragically, Mr Page has also since died.
Friend Wayne Butler, who spent time with the couple over the weekend, described Natalie as "a small, fiery little cracker." The coroner concluded that Natalie likely remained lying by the river until search teams found her the next day, highlighting the devastating consequences of intoxication and underlying health issues during outdoor activities.
