The husband of a British woman who died while trying to save her sons after they were swept out to sea in the Bahamas has described her as a hero, saying she gave her life to protect their children.
Leanne Gregory, 36, from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire, England, was snorkelling with her family off the island of Bimini when a strong current swept her sons away, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Although both children were rescued from the water on Tuesday, their mother could not be saved.
Her husband, Nathan Gregory, described her death as an unimaginable loss for their family.
In a tribute shared on Facebook, Nathan said his wife was an exceptional partner and mother, describing her as his childhood sweetheart, with whom he had spent 22 years.
“She was the purest, most amazing wife, mother and friend to have ever walked this Earth,” he said.
He added, “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.
“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 launched a fundraising campaign to support their sons and provide financial security following the tragedy.
In a message accompanying the appeal, he explained that Leanne had managed to hold on to one of their children until the boy was rescued but had exhausted herself in the process.
He said, “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.”
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, officers received a report shortly after 10:00 am local time on Tuesday that a woman had been found unresponsive at the North Bimini Ferry Dock.
Leanne was brought to the dock after being swept away, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered.
She was subsequently taken to a local medical clinic, where she was pronounced dead.
The police said an autopsy would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding her death, adding that foul play was not suspected.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office expressed sympathy for the bereaved family and confirmed that the department was working with local authorities to provide assistance.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
