A British father has described his wife as a hero after she died trying to save their two sons from powerful sea currents during a family holiday in the Bahamas.
Leanne Gregory, 36, from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire, died on Tuesday, October 20, after entering the water to rescue the boys, who had been swept away while snorkelling near Bimini.
Although both children survived, Leanne could not be saved, leaving her husband, Nathan Gregory, to mourn the woman he had known since childhood.
Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, Nathan said the family had travelled to the Caribbean islands for an early celebration of their 10th wedding anniversary, which falls in December.
He said the boys had been snorkelling in shallow water while their parents arranged their towels and bags on the beach when they got into difficulties.
Both parents entered the sea to rescue their children as the current carried them away. Nathan said the ordeal unfolded in less than 10 minutes.
In a tribute to his wife, Nathan described her as his childhood sweetheart, soulmate and the foundation of their family.
“I will never get over this, she was my soulmate, my childhood sweetheart, my one and only. The foundation of my entire family and the strength that held us all together,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“My boys had to witness something nobody should ever have to see of any age, but they know Mum died an absolute hero.”
Nathan also explained on a fundraising page that Leanne had held on to one of their sons until he was rescued but did not have enough strength left to save herself.
He said he was grateful that both children survived, despite the traumatic experience they witnessed.
The couple had been together for 22 years, having first started their relationship at the age of 14.
Nathan described Leanne as a loving wife and mother whose loss was unimaginable for the family.
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Police investigate death
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said officers on Bimini received a report shortly after 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday that a woman had been found unresponsive at the North Bimini Ferry Dock.
The police said Leanne had been snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern tip of the island when a strong current swept the children away.
She was also swept away while attempting to rescue them. She was later brought to the ferry dock, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered.
Leanne was subsequently taken to a local medical clinic, where a doctor confirmed her death.
Police said foul play was not suspected and that an autopsy would be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office said it was in contact with local authorities and providing support to the family.
Fundraiser launched for children
Following the tragedy, Nathan launched a fundraising campaign to support his sons and help provide financial security for them after losing their mother.
The campaign had attracted thousands of pounds in donations as messages of sympathy continued to emerge from the family’s community in Nottinghamshire.
Richard MacRae, who represents Stapleford North on Broxtowe Borough Council, described the area as a close-knit community that would rally around the bereaved family.
He said the loss was particularly heartbreaking because young children were involved.
Stapleford Fire Station also expressed sadness over Leanne’s death, extending its thoughts to her family and friends.
Nathan has continued to pay tribute to his wife, expressing gratitude that their sons survived and remembering her for the love and support she gave their family.
BBC News
