The sister of April Jones, the five-year-old who was abducted and murdered in 2012, has opened up about the enduring pain and trauma following her sibling’s tragic death. Hazel Jones, now 31, expressed that she is “still waiting to wake up from the nightmare” of losing April, highlighting how the tragedy has profoundly shaped her life and continues to cast a long shadow over her family.
A Family Shattered
April Jones was playing near her home in Machynlleth, Powys, on 1 October 2012, when she was abducted. The innocent outing on her pink bicycle ended in horror when she was lured into a Land Rover by Mark Bridger, who was later convicted of her abduction and murder in a “sexually motivated attack”. Despite extensive search efforts, which marked the largest missing person inquiry in British history, April’s body was never recovered, with only fragments of her remains found in Bridger’s cottage.
Hazel vividly recalls the moment she was informed of her half-sister’s disappearance. At home in Aberaeron, she was stunned to hear her mother say, “Hazel, April’s missing.” The gravity of the situation began to sink in as she rushed to Machynlleth to be with her family. “I thought ‘this doesn’t happen around here,’ and it wouldn’t happen to us of all people,” she reflected. But it did happen, forever altering the fabric of their lives.
The Aftermath of Loss
The impact of April’s disappearance was catastrophic, not just for Hazel but for the entire community. The police mobilised over 650 personnel and thousands of volunteers in a desperate bid to locate the young girl. The inquiry revealed chilling details about Bridger, who claimed he accidentally hit April but could not recall where he had disposed of her body. Evidence uncovered during the trial pointed to a disturbing past, including a cache of child abuse images and incriminating search histories.
Bridger was ultimately sentenced to life in prison, receiving one of the rare whole-life tariffs due to the nature of his crimes. He was described by the judge as a “pathological liar” and “a paedophile”, a disturbing reflection of the man behind the heinous act.
At just 18 years old and pregnant with her first child, Hazel faced overwhelming fear upon learning the details of what had happened to April. “I was so scared because I was carrying my daughter at the time,” she recalled, expressing the anxiety that accompanied bringing a new life into a world where such evil existed.
Living with the Pain
In the years that have followed, Hazel has become a mother to three children, but the shadow of her sister’s murder has never truly lifted. She has made a conscious effort to speak openly about April with her children, maintaining a box of memories and clippings for them to explore when they’re ready. “I have never hidden it away from my kids,” she stated. “It’s real life, it has happened, and I want them to be wary of their own selves.”
However, the trauma of April’s death has instilled a deep-seated fear in Hazel regarding her children’s safety as they grow up. “The world we live in is literally so scary,” she lamented, admitting that she is often terrified to let them out of her sight.
A Legacy of Love and Remembrance
Hazel’s father, Paul Jones, passed away in May 2025, with the pain of losing April lingering until his last days. Hazel remembers how deeply the tragedy affected him, noting that he lost a part of himself when April was taken. “Once April went, a part of him went completely,” she said, reflecting on their shared grief.
Despite the unbearable weight of loss, Hazel strives to honour April’s memory while navigating the complexities of motherhood. She remains determined to ensure her children have the opportunities that were stolen from her sister. “I want my daughter to see the world and have everything that April couldn’t,” she asserted.
Why it Matters
The harrowing story of April Jones serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of childhood and the profound impact of violence on families and communities. As Hazel continues to confront the trauma of her sister’s murder, her experience highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action surrounding child safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The legacy of April’s tragedy urges society to reflect on the importance of vigilance and compassion, as the scars of such horrific events can last a lifetime.
