Two ‘much-loved’ disabled residents of a care home who died in a boating accident in Devon have received tributes

Two’much-loved’ disabled residents of a care home who died in a boating accident in Devon have received tributes.

Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, died last week in an accident on Roadford Lake near Okehampton, Devon.

Friends remembered her for her “sunny nature” and sense of humour, but fears persist for one woman in her 50s who is still receiving treatment in the hospital.

They were among six persons pushed into the water at Roadford Lake on Wednesday afternoon, June 8, when a speedboat capsized.

Mr Wood and Ms Tilsley, also known as Ali, lived at the Burdon Grange care facility in neighboring Beaworthy.

In a statement released by police, Ms Tilsley’s family said that ‘We are totally devastated by the loss of our beautiful Ali.

‘She was the most kind, caring and loving daughter, sister and auntie. She was loved by everyone who ever met her.

‘Her sunny nature, positivity, fantastic sense of humour and skill with words will be greatly missed.’

They added that ‘Our hearts are broken forever but the messages of love and support we have received are of great comfort.’

A woman in her fifties is still being treated at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital, while another passenger has been released.

Another two persons on board were dragged from the sea and examined by paramedics before being released at the site.

The owners of the care home where Mr Wood and Ms Tilsley lived expressed shock at their deaths as well.

Stuart and Stephanie Kempton issued a statement saying, ‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of two much-loved, members of our community.

‘Our thoughts are with the families, relatives and friends of the people who lost their lives, and with our residents and staff at our care home.

‘Our thoughts are also with one of our residents, who remains in hospital, and their family.

‘We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response to the tragedy and their continuing support, during this extremely difficult time.’

The incident is being investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

The police are also in contact with the Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner’s offices.

According to a coroner’s office, “preliminary inquiries are ongoing at this time.”

The MAIB declined to comment last week on claims that the victims were in wheelchairs at the time, or whether investigators would try to determine whether they were strapped into the boat or wearing life jackets.