Stapleford mum who died saving her sons in the Bahamas described as "hero"

A mum from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire who died after her two sons were swept away by a current in the Bahamas has been described as a hero by her husband.

Leanne Gregory, 36, died while snorkelling with her family near the island of Bimini.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said officers launched an investigation into the sudden death of a 36-year-old British woman on Tuesday.

Husband's tribute

Leanne's husband, Nathan Gregory, paid tribute to her in a GoFundMe post.

Nathan Gregory said in the post: 'She was sadly taken from us after saving my sons life in a rip tide.'

'She held him until he was rescued but didn't have the energy to save herself, after a freak wave swept the boat away from her.'

'This loss is unimaginable for our family, she was our foundation, our support, she made us who we are.'

We were childhood sweethearts, my one and only.'

We had our whole lives ahead of us and it has all been taken away.'

I just have to be thankful for the hero she was in life and in death, and totally grateful for the fact my boys got out safely.'

Thankful for the people in the boat that noticed me flag it down after I struggled out the water, and got them out.'

Thankful to the lady that helped me try bring her back when the boat returned.'

Thankful for my boys for remaining strong after seeing something nobody should ever see.'

But mainly thankful to my brave, amazing wife for keeping my boy above the water even as you were sinking.'

You will be forever loved by everyone you knew and I know you will continue to watch over us.'

What police said

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said preliminary information indicates the woman was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island.

Police said a strong current reportedly swept both children away.

In a statement posted on social media, the force said: 'In an attempt to rescue her sons, the woman was also swept away.'

The children were subsequently rescued from the water.

Police said officers at the Alice Town police station received information shortly after 10am that a woman was unresponsive at the North Bimini Ferry Dock.

The force said: 'Officers responded and, upon arrival, learned that the woman had been transported to the local clinic for medical attention, where she was subsequently pronounced dead by a local doctor despite efforts to save her life.'

It said: 'She was later rescued and transported to the ferry dock, where CPR was reportedly administered.'

Police said: 'Foul play is not suspected at this time.'

The force said: 'An autopsy will be conducted to assist in determining the exact cause of death.'

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the family of a British woman who has died in the Bahamas."

They said: "We are in contact with the local authorities and providing support to her family."

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