Tributes to mum, 36, whose Mini fell into river on Christmas Day in double tragedy

Tributes have poured in for a “funny and intelligent” mum who died on Christmas Day after her Mini plunged into a river, killing a male passenger.

Rachel Curtis, 36, and Jay Jenkins, also 36, were found dead after the car came off the road in Swansea, South Wales.

Investigators found the car fully submerged in the River Tawe after they were called at around 3am and recovered the bodies.

They are now appealing for witnesses, people with CCTV or dashcam footage, or anyone who had contact with the pair in the hours leading to the tragedy.

Tributes were paid to self-employed nail artist and charity fundraiser Rachel, from Swansea, who was behind the wheel.

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In a statement, her family described her as “a funny, intelligent and unique person” who was “extremely talented and creative” in her therapeutic nail art.

The mum-of-one was also a self-defence and elite security instructor and was trained as a close protection officer and door supervisor, they said.

Rachel also helped raise money for suicide prevention charity the Jack Lewis Foundation, and homelessness charity Matthews House, and was also involved in youth projects helping young girls.

"Rachel will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her 14-year-old son,” her family added.

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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."

Emergency services arrived at the scene at the A483New Cut Road at 3am after passers-by reported a car had entered the water.

Police said no other vehicles were involved at the scene, although investigations are ongoing.