A grieving family is searching for answers after 21-year-old Brad Hawkins was found dead in a pond in Merthyr Tydfil under troubling and unclear circumstances.
Brad, a devoted father to two young boys, was discovered in Dowlais duck pond on February 24—just hours after his car was reportedly involved in a police chase. His sudden death has left his loved ones devastated and desperate for clarity.
His mother, Jaya Bouchard, described him as her best friend—known for his humor, hardworking nature, and deep love for his children, four-year-old Greyson and one-year-old Hudson. The overwhelming turnout at his funeral reflected just how loved he was in the community.
However, questions continue to surround what truly happened that night.
According to reports, Brad had been with someone he had only recently met. That individual claimed they both fled from the car during the incident, but Brad allegedly went back to retrieve their phones and was never seen again. His family, however, says there is no proof he was even alive at that point—or that he was the one driving.
Several details have raised concern:
- His car was found ransacked with belongings scattered
- Personal items like his coat, watch, chain, and keys remain missing
- His phone was discovered discarded away from where his body was found
Despite these circumstances, authorities are not currently treating the case as suspicious, though suicide has been ruled out. The case remains classified as an unexplained death.
South Wales Police are actively investigating and urging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives are specifically seeking dashcam or CCTV footage between 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. in areas including Brecon Road, The Walk, and Pant, where a dark grey Audi A3 (registration FR12 LSU) was reportedly seen.
For Brad’s family, the lack of answers has made grieving nearly impossible. His mother continues to plead for the truth, determined to uncover what happened in her son’s final moments.









