Leanne Gregory’s Bahamas holiday was an early anniversary celebration, husband says

Leanne Gregory’s family holiday in the Bahamas had been planned as an early celebration of her 10th wedding anniversary, her husband Nathan has said. Gregory, 36, died after being swept out to sea as she tried to rescue their two sons, who were brought safely ashore.

The couple, from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire, had been due to mark their anniversary in December. Nathan told the BBC the trip was an early celebration. He said the family had arrived on Bimini, where he believes a riptide swept the boys into the ocean.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said the children were rescued on Tuesday. Officers received a report shortly after 10:00 local time that a woman had been found unresponsive at North Bimini Ferry Dock. Gregory was taken to a local medical clinic, where she was pronounced dead, police said. An autopsy was to be carried out; police said foul play was not suspected.

Nathan described his wife as his childhood sweetheart and said they had been together since they were 14. He told the BBC their relationship was “perfect” and called her “the foundation of our entire family”.

He also praised Royal Caribbean and Virgin Atlantic for helping the family make the journey home. A fundraising page had raised nearly £9,000 to support them, the BBC reported.

The Foreign Office said it was in contact with local authorities and supporting Gregory’s family.