Devon and Cornwall Police have named the two people who died when a disabled boat trip tragically went wrong at Roadford Lake in Devon. The lake, near Okehampton, was at the center of the hunt following a report of a capsized boat with two disabled sailors missing on Wednesday June 8. Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, known as Ali, were both from the West Devon area and resided in a Beaworthy care home, Devon Live reports.
Yesterday, Tuesday June 14, the owners of Burdon Grange care home in Beaworthy expressed their deep sadness at the loss of two ‘much loved members of our community’ following the shocking incident involving six people on a sailboat for disabled. class at the lake near Okehampton on Wednesday 8th June. In a statement, owners Stuart and Stephanie Kempton also revealed that the third person to remain critically ill at Plymouth Hospital is also a resident.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Ali’s family said they were “totally devastated by the loss of our beautiful Ali. She was the kindest, most caring and loving daughter, sister and aunt. She was loved by all who met her. Her sunny nature, positivity, fantastic sense of humor and skill with words will be sorely missed.
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“Our hearts are forever broken but the messages of love and support we have received are a great comfort.”
Alex’s family did not want to make a public statement to the police at this time. The full statement from Devon and Cornwall Police read: “Emergency services were called to Roadford Lake near Okehampton at around 1.30pm on Wednesday 8th June after a boat capsized. Following a major operation, Police located and recovered the bodies of two people from the lake on the afternoon of Thursday, June 9.
“Official identification has now taken place and police have named the two individuals as Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, known as Ali. Both were from the West Devon area. Their loved ones continue to be supported by specially trained officers at this time.”
In a statement released today by Ali’s family, they said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of our beautiful Ali. She was the kindest, most caring and loving daughter, sister and aunt. She was loved by all who met her.
“His sunny nature, his positivity, his fantastic sense of humor and his skill with words will be greatly missed.
“Our hearts are forever broken but the messages of love and support we have received are heartwarming. We politely request confidentiality at this very difficult time.”
Following the incident, two people were pulled from the water and taken to Derriford Hospital for treatment. One person has since been discharged and another, a woman in her 50s, remains in hospital in critical condition.
Two other people were pulled from the water and checked by ambulance teams before being evacuated to the scene. Devon and Cornwall Police and the Marine Casualties Investigation Branch (MAIB) continue to work closely on parallel investigations into the circumstances of the incident.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-15 05:00:00
