Husband pays tribute to wife who died saving two sons

Leanne and Nathan Gregory on their wedding day Photo; BBC

A British man, Nathan Gregory, has paid an emotional tribute to his wife, Leanne Gregory, who died while trying to rescue their two sons after they were swept out to sea during a family holiday in the Bahamas.

Leanne, 36, from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire, was on holiday with her husband and their children when the incident occurred off the coast of Bimini on Tuesday.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the two boys were rescued from the water, but their mother could not be saved.

Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, Nathan described his late wife as his “childhood sweetheart” and said her death was an unimaginable loss to the family.

He disclosed that the holiday had been planned as an early celebration of their 10th wedding anniversary in December.

“I’ve known her since infant school. We first got together when we were 14, so 22 years,” he said.

Nathan explained that the boys had been excitedly snorkelling in shallow water while their parents arranged their towels and bags on the beach when they got into difficulties.

He said both parents rushed into the sea to rescue their children after they were caught in a strong current, adding that the entire ordeal unfolded in less than 10 minutes.

Describing his wife’s courage, he said she was a “hero… in life and in death” for helping to save their two sons.

“There are no words I can use to describe Leanne, same as anyone she has ever known,” Nathan said.

He added: “She was the purest of people, the most generous, kind and beautiful person who ever walked the Earth.

“Our relationship was perfect. She was the perfect mother, the perfect wife, the foundation of our entire family.”

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Nathan also expressed gratitude to Royal Caribbean and Virgin Atlantic for their assistance in helping him and the children return home following the tragedy.

The grieving husband said he was now focused on staying strong for their sons as the family struggled to cope with the loss.

A fundraising page set up to support the family had attracted nearly £9,000 in donations, according to the report.

Tributes have continued to pour in for Leanne, with Councillor Richard MacRae, who represents Stapleford North on Broxtowe Borough Council, describing the town as a close-knit community that would rally around the bereaved family.

“It’s sad, it’s heartbreaking, when something tragic happens, and people have got young kids involved, it is just a different level,” MacRae said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends and the wider community.”

Stapleford Fire Station also expressed sadness over the death, saying its thoughts were with Leanne’s family and friends during the difficult period.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said officers received a report shortly after 10:00 local time on Tuesday that a woman had been found unresponsive at the North Bimini Ferry Dock.

She was taken to the dock after being swept away, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered before she was transported to a local medical clinic. She was subsequently pronounced dead.

Police said an autopsy would be conducted, adding that “foul play is not suspected.”

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said it was in contact with local authorities and was providing support to the family.

The tragedy has left the family mourning the loss of a mother who, according to her husband, loved the ocean and had built the holiday around marine life and good food.