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Families 'devastated' by honeymoon drowning tragedy

Newlyweds Lynette and John Rodgers were on honeymoon in South Africa
Newlyweds Lynette and John Rodgers were on honeymoon in South Africa Newlyweds Lynette and John Rodgers were on honeymoon in South Africa

THE grieving families of a Co Down couple who drowned while on honeymoon in South Africa have told of their devastation.

John Rodgers (28) and his wife Lynette (26) died on Friday after getting caught in a rip tide while swimming at Plettenberg Bay – six days after they walked down the aisle.

The couple drowned just hours after checking into their hotel on the second leg of their South African honeymoon, which began last Monday.

In a joint statement yesterday, their families said they had been left devastated by the double tragedy.

"It has come as a great shock to both the Reilly and Rodgers families to learn of the sudden and tragic events in South Africa, which has taken the lives of Lynette and John," they said.

"Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy."

The body of Mr Rodgers was discovered in shallow surf on Robberg Beach by a local man at around 6pm on Friday, South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute said.

Two women walking along the beach found the body of Mrs Rodgers about 200 metres away.

Doctors performed CPR on the couple but they were pronounced dead.

Their relatives have requested privacy to grieve.

Lynette was a physiotherapist from Holywood Co Down, while John, from Ballygowan, worked for Belfast-based Calvert Office Equipment.

They tied the knot in front of family and friends at the First Presbyterian Church in Holywood last Saturday October 17, before enjoying a reception at the Ballygally Castle Hotel near Larne.

In poignant messages posted on Facebook, Mrs Rodgers expressed her excitement ahead of her South African adventure.

She had changed her cover photo to a picture of her and her four smiling bridesmaids.

She wrote: "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"

Ballygally Castle Hotel expressed its sympathies with the couple's relatives and friends.

"On behalf of the management and staff of Ballygally Castle, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Lynette and John. Such a lovely couple who we got to know well over the last few years. Our heartfelt condolences to you all."

Calvert Office Equipment said on Twitter: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of our colleague John and his wife Lynette. Our thoughts are with their families."

The young couple had been dating for a number of years before tying the knot.

The Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to both families.

South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute said it believed the couple had gone to swim shortly after arriving in Plettenberg Bay on holiday.

"It is suspected that they drowned. Sea conditions were rough with strong rip-currents in the vicinity.

"Police have opened an inquest docket and although no foul play is suspected, the deaths are being investigated.

"The bodies have been handed into the care of the forensic pathology services.

"British authorities are assisting with family abroad. The emergency services and those involved have expressed sincerest condolences."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also expressed his sympathies, saying on Twitter: "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."

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "Devastating news from South Africa. A life together cut short by such tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with both families."

North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, who knows the family, said the close knit Co Down community would rally round to provide support.

"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," he said.

"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.

"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."

Former mayor of North Down Andrew Muir also described the double tragedy as "horrendous".

He said on Twitter: "Thoughts and prayers with families and friends of Holywood couple John and Lynette Rodgers who died in South Africa on Honeymoon. Horrendous news."