'Kind and genuine' electrician killed when car plunged into river

Pictured: ‘Kind and genuine’ electrician, 36, killed alongside mother who was driving Mini which plunged into Welsh river at 3am on Christmas Day

• Rachel Curtis and Jay Jenkins, both 36, died when a car plunged into a river 
• A black Mini Cooper was found in the River Tawe in Swansea on Christmas Day 
• Mr Jenkins’s family described him as a ‘kind, genuine soul’ always helping others 
• Family paid tribute to ‘talented’ mother and self-defence instructor Ms Curtis

An electrician who died on Christmas Day when a Mini he was in plunged into a Welsh river alongside a mother-of-one, has been described as a ‘kind, genuine soul’ by his heartbroken family. 

Passenger Jay Kyle Jenkins, 36, and Rachel Curtis, also 36, who has a 14-year-old son called Rhys, were found dead in the water after the car sunk into the river at around 3am.

In a tribute, the family of Mr Jenkins described him as ‘our beautiful, kind boy’.

They said: ‘Jay was a kind, genuine soul who was always helping other people. The local community are devastated.’

Electrician Jay Kyle Jenkins, who died on Christmas Day when a Mini he was in plunged into a Welsh river alongside a mother-of-one, has been described as a ‘kind, genuine soul’ by his heartbroken family

Self-defence instructor Rachel was behind the wheel of the Mini when it crashed into the River Tawe in Swansea, South Wales

Officers are still investigating the crash and a large crane was used to pull the wreckage of a car from the river

Ms Curtis and Mr Jenkins had been friends since school, the tribute added.

Self-defence instructor Ms Curtis was behind the wheel of the Mini when it crashed into the River Tawe in Swansea, South Wales.

Officers are still investigating the crash as tributes were paid to the therapeutic art and nail art teacher, from the Bon-y-maen area of the city, who has been described as ‘extremely talented’.

Mr Jenkins from St Thomas, Swansea, was also killed in the crash and police want to speak to anyone who had contact with him or Ms Curtis in the hours leading up to the tragedy.

Ms Curtis was described as a talented artist who had recently drawn portraits of the Queen and Prince Philip. 

In a statement, her family said: ‘Rachel was a funny, intelligent and unique person. She was extremely talented and creative in nails and art. She worked at the Liberty Stadium teaching therapeutic art and nail art.

Rachel Curtis, 36, who has a 14-year-old son, and passenger Jay Jenkins, also 36, were found dead in the waters after the car sunk into the river

Jay Kyle Jenkins from St Thomas, Swansea, was also killed in the crash and police want to speak to anyone who had contact with him or Rachel in the hours leading up to the tragedy

‘She was a self-defence instructor and an elite security instructor, trained as a close protection officer and door supervisor.

‘She helped raise money for the ‘Jack Lewis Foundation’ which is a suicide prevention charity. Rachel also raised money for ‘Matthews House’ a homeless charity and was involved in youth projects helping young girls.

‘Rachel will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her 14 year old son.’

Friend Lucia Watkins said: ‘Rest in peace Rachel Curtis, I still can’t believe you have gone. I will miss our chats and your crazy sense of humour.

‘You made my uni life memorable with your craziness and randomness. I will always remember you for your sense of humour, brains and talent in drawing.’

Police previously said: ‘Emergency services attended and a black Mini John Cooper Works was found fully submerged in the river. The bodies of a woman and man, both aged 36, were recovered.

‘Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.’

A large crane was used to pull the wreckage of a car from the river near the junction of the A483 and New Cut Road in Swansea

Friend Lucia Watkins said: ‘Rest in peace Rachel Curtis, I still can’t believe you have gone

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the car go into the river, or who has CCTV or dash cam footage.

Emergency services arrived on the scene at New Cut Road in Swansea at 3am after passers-by reported the car had entered the water.

The black Mini John Cooper Works was found fully submerged in the river and the bodies were found in the water nearby.

Police said no other vehicle was involved at the scene although investigations are ongoing. 

The A483 New Cut Road was closed by officers at the scene.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed it had received a call at 3.07am and sent two rapid response vehicles and two road ambulances to the scene.

A large crane was used to pull the wreckage of a car from the river near the junction of the A483 and New Cut Road in Swansea on Christmas Day. 

A police cordon remained in place for much of the day as the recovery took place.  

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