Tragedy in idyllic Welsh hamlet as pensioner, 78, dies after plunging into a canal while on holiday

A pensioner has died in a shocking tragedy after plunging from a boat into a canal in an idyllic Welsh hamlet while on a family holiday. 

Margaret Billings, 78, got caught between the boat and quayside at a towpath on the Kennet and Avon Canal, Devizes, Wiltshire.

Frantic efforts were made to save the pensioner, who had lived for more than 20 years near picture-postcard Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, but she was confirmed dead by paramedics.

Wiltshire Police has stressed there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. 

Yesterday her husband, Michael, did not wish to talk about it. But her tragic death has left locals stunned.

Councillor Dewi Jones, who is a former neighbour, said: 'It is a hell of a shock. She was a very nice person. I used to meet her for a chat. She was always friendly.'

An inquest at Salisbury, Wiltshire, was told Mrs Billings, from Gwynedd, died on 27 June when she fell into the water while travelling along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bradford on Avon to Devizes while on holiday with her family.

The cause of death was traumatic upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and traumatic head injury.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.