Updated 9.19am
THE FAMILIES OF John and Lynette Rogers have said they are “thoroughly devastated” following their deaths.
The newlywed couple from Co Down were found dead on a beach while on their honeymoon in South Africa.
The couple from Holywood are believed to have drowned.
In a statement issued through the PSNI, their families said:
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
Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy.
The family have requested that their privacy be respected.
South African authorities say that the body of John Rodgers (28) was found in shallow surf by a local man on the beach at Plettenberg Bay at about 6pm yesterday.
As the man was informing emergency services, the body of Lynette Rodgers (26) was found by two walkers some 200 metres away also after washing up on the beach.
Police say that CPR was performed on the couple by paramedics when they arrived at the scene but both were pronounced dead.
The family are understood to be well known in the community and had only celebrated their wedding last Saturday.
The National Sea Rescue Institute in South Africa say that it is believed the pair went swimming shortly after arriving in Plettenberg Bay. The destination is on the southern tip of the country between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
They were confirmed as British citizens and their bodies were handed into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.
The NSRI add that no foul play is expected in their deaths and that “sea conditions were very rough strong rip currents in the vicinity”.
Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan. Originally published at 9.01pm on 24 October.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say