A British mother who died trying to rescue her two sons after a current swept them away while snorkelling in the Bahamas has been named as 36-year-old Leanne Gregory.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said officers on the island of Bimini launched an investigation into the sudden death of a 36-year-old British woman on Tuesday. The force said they believed the woman was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island when a strong current reportedly swept both children away.
Police said "the woman was also swept away" while desperately trying to save her two sons. The children were subsequently rescued from the water.
Witnesses tried to save her
Leanne was pulled from the water by witnesses who tried to resuscitate her, reports local media. She was rushed to a nearby clinic but was declared dead by medics on Wednesday morning.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the boys’ grandma Mrs Jones said: "It is devastating. Leanne drowned trying to save her two boys who got into trouble in choppy waters."
She added that her husband Nathan had tried to save her. Mrs Jones continued: “Nathan tried to save her, by giving her the kiss of life. Sadly, it was too late.” Some members of family are now flying out to support Nathan and the kid.
Witness account
Linty Stuart, who is the owner of L&A Water Taxi, told ZNS he spotted two boys and a woman in the water and that bystanders were able to pull the siblings from the water, but it was too difficult for them to save the mum.
The witness said he soon spotted the woman "face down". A ship's first mate, Jason Saunders, tried to perform CPR before medics arrived. Mr Saunders said: "It's scary. We tried, it's sad."
One witness added: "Both children were rescued, I was there for all of it. She's a hero. Also pray for her husband. He went out to save the other boy but a bystander was able to get him. It was truly terrible and nobody's fault. Just two boys who were eager to get in the water and then things went crazy fast. Two of the best parents I've ever seen in my entire life."
Police statement
In a statement, posted on social media, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said: “According to the preliminary report, shortly after 10am, officers at the Alice Town police station received information that a female was unresponsive at the North Bimini Ferry Dock.
“Officers responded and, upon arrival, learned that the woman had been transported to the local clinic for medical attention, where she was subsequently pronounced dead by a local doctor despite efforts to save her life.
“Preliminary information indicates that the deceased was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island when a strong current reportedly swept both children away.
“In an attempt to rescue her sons, the woman was also swept away. She was later rescued and transported to the ferry dock, where CPR was reportedly administered.
“Foul play is not suspected at this time. An autopsy will be conducted to assist in determining the exact cause of death.”
An FCDO spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family of a British woman who has died in the Bahamas. We are in contact with the local authorities and providing support to her family.”
