A DEVASTATING overseas accident led to the death of a beloved Pontypool father, an inquest heard yesterday.

Stephen Glyn Fidler, 42, died in Qatar on June 25, 2013, as a result of a tragic swimming accident, Newport Coroner’s Court heard.

Mr Fidler was a quantity surveyor and worked for a number of companies after graduating from his part-time degree as a surveyor.

Described as a ‘bright’ young man, he managed to secure a job with an American construction company in 2008 and moved to the Middle East, firstly to Dubai and then to Qatar, working as a team manager.

Giving evidence, his wife Samantha Ann Fidler said the father-of-two was enjoying a public holiday in Doha, with her and their sons on June 25 last year when they decided to visit a local beach.

The inquest heard how Mr Fidler, said to be a ‘brilliant father’, was playing in the sea with his sons when at some stage he decided to dive of a platform used for boats as a landing point.

But the water was shallower than anticipated, resulting in Mr Fidler suffering from severe bruising to the head.

Mr Fidler was rescued from the sea and was given first aid, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Addressing Mrs Fidler, Senior Gwent Coroner David Bowen said: “This was a very traumatic experience for you and the boys.

“It has tragically deprived you and your sons of a brilliant father.”

The post-mortem examination said that following the accident Mr Fidler suffered a fracture in his cervical vertebrate and there was evidence of bruising to the head, as a result of having struck the sea bed.

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.