A British mother who died while rescuing her children in the Bahamas has been described as a "hero" by her husband. Leanne Gregory, 36, from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire, lost her life during a snorkelling trip near Bimini in the Caribbean islands.
Incident Details
The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed that officers on the island of Bimini launched an investigation into the sudden death of the 36-year-old British woman on Tuesday. According to the force, Gregory was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island when a powerful current reportedly swept both children away. While attempting to rescue her sons, "the woman was also swept away," police confirmed. The children were subsequently pulled from the water.
Family's Tribute
In a GoFundMe post, Nathan Gregory revealed that his wife was "sadly taken from us after saving my sons life in a rip tide." He added: "She held him until he was rescued but didn't have the energy to save herself, after a freak wave swept the boat away from her."
Mr Gregory said: "This loss is unimaginable for our family, she was our foundation, our support, she made us who we are. We were childhood sweethearts, my one and only. 22 years into our relationship at only 36-years-old."
He continued: "We had our whole lives ahead of us and it has all been taken away. I just have to be thankful for the hero she was in life and in death, and totally grateful for the fact my boys got out safely."
Official Statement
In an official statement released 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."
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 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."
