British pub landlady Elaine McGowan, 65, was shot dead in front of her husband while on holiday in Trinidad and Tobago on July 5. The attack occurred outside her godfather's home in Manzanilla, where a gunman stepped out of a silver Nissan Tiida and opened fire before fleeing. McGowan was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre but was declared dead on arrival.
Victim Remembered as 'Brilliant Person'
McGowan ran The Castle Hotel in Hythe, Kent, from 2019 until last summer. Hemang Patel, who works at Saltwood General Stores and knew McGowan, described her as a 'brilliant person' and a 'helpful and lovely lady.' He expressed shock, saying, 'I couldn't believe what happened to her. It's a huge shame. To me, she's always been a brilliant person. A lot of people know her. It's been quite shocking this week. I can't believe it's happened to someone, you don't expect it.'
Family Appeals for Information
McGowan's sister, Joanne Butcher, said she was in Trinidad conducting business as director of Cocal Retreat, her father's farm, and 'continuing his legacy.' Butcher appealed for anyone with information to contact Trinidad police, who are conducting a thorough investigation. She added that McGowan is survived by her 'beloved husband' Ian and 'many, many family and friends.'
Community Mourns
Tributes have poured in online, with Rosalie Terry calling McGowan's death 'devastating news' and 'a great loss of a fantastic friend.' A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Trinidad and Tobago and are in contact with the local authorities.'
