The families of a newly-wed couple who drowned while on honeymoon in South Africa have spoken of their shock and sorrow at the tragedy.
John Rodgers (28), an office worker from Ballygowan, Co Down and his wife Lynette (26) died after, it is believed, they became caught up in a rip-tide at Pittenberg Bay in the Cape Province of South Africa on Friday.
The accident happened just six days after the couple were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Holywood, Co Down last Saturday.
Before flying out for their honeymoon Lynette Reilly, a physiotherapist from Holywood, posted a now deeply poignant note on Facebook, “John and myself would like to thank to everyone that joined us on Saturday and for all the well wishes! We greatly appreciate it and had the best day ever. Heading off today so will speak to everyone when we return! Xx”
She also changed her main Facebook picture to show her together with her four smiling bridesmaids.
The body of Mr Rodgers was discovered by a local man in shallow surf on Robberg Beach around 6pm on Friday, according to South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
His wife’s body was found about 200 metres away. Doctors tried to resuscitate the couple but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The British Foreign Office said it was providing assistance to both families “at this extremely difficult time, and will remain in contact with local authorities”.
The couple’s family and friends were shocked by the news of the drowning. In a statement the Rodgers and Reilly family spoke of their great grief at the “sudden and tragic events in South Africa which have taken the lives of Lynette and John”.
“Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy,” they said.
The Reverend Stephen Lowry from the First Presbyterian Church in Holywood where the couple wed spoke of the “great shock” at the tragedy. “The happiness and joy of their wedding here last Saturday has been truly replaced by grief and loss,” he said.
“We continue to support both the families and the friends with our love and prayers,” added Rev Lowry who led his congregation in prayers yesterday for the couple and their families.
DUP Assembly member Gordon Dunne who knows the Reilly family said the local community was numbed at the news of the two deaths. “My heart goes out to the grieving families and I trust and pray that the family may know God’s help at this tragic time,” he said.
“This is an absolutely tragedy and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of both the young man and young lady who have sadly passed away. For a tragedy like this to happen days after their wedding during their honeymoon is beyond words.
“There is widespread shock and a real sense of numbness within the local community in Holywood at this time, particularly as the young lady was born in Holywood, attended the local schools in the area, and was from a very well respected family.
First Minister Peter Robinson in a tweet said, “Devastating news from South Africa. A life together cut short by such tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with both families.”
Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, also in a tweet, said, “Very sad to hear the tragic news of young Co Down couple who were drowned whilst on honeymoon in South Africa. My sympathy to their families.”
Former mayor of North Down Andrew Muir described the double tragedy as “horrendous”. He tweeted: “Thoughts & Prayers with families and friends of Holywood couple John & Lynette Rodgers who died in South Africa on Honeymoon. Horrendous news.”
Additional reporting from PA
