Police have named two residents of a home who died after a boat capsized on Lake Devon.
Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, known as Ali, were on board with four more people when they capsized on Lake Roadford near Okehampton on Wednesday.
Police recovered Wood and Tisley’s bodies from the waterway the next day and were formally identified before being named by officers on Tuesday.
Alex Wood was a resident of the Burdon Grange residence. Photo: Devon and Cornwall Police / PA
The couple were residents at the Burdon Grange Nursing Home in Highampton, Devon, which provides care for people with physical disabilities.
A statement released Tuesday by Tilsley’s family said her “hearts are broken forever” and that she would be “greatly missed.” He said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of our beautiful Ali. She was the kindest, most affectionate and loving daughter, sister and aunt. She was loved by all who had known her.
Alison Tilsley’s family said she had a “fantastic sense of humor.” Photo: Devon and Cornwall Police / PA
“His sunny nature, his positivity, his fantastic sense of humor and his skill with words will be greatly missed. Our hearts are broken forever, but the messages of love and support we have received they are very consoling. We politely ask for privacy at this difficult time. “
Care home owners Stuart and Stephanie Kempton said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two loved ones in our community. Our thoughts are with the families, family, and friends of those who lost life, and with our residents and the staff of our residence “.
They added: “We would like to thank the emergency services for their prompt response to the tragedy and their continued support during this extremely difficult time.”
The other four people involved in the incident were removed from the water after the boat capsized. Two were taken to Derriford Hospital for treatment and one has been discharged. A woman in her 50s is still in critical condition.
The other two people involved were checked by ambulance crews at the scene and subsequently discharged.
Devon and Cornwall Police and the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) are working on parallel investigations into the incident. The force is also in contact with the Exeter and Greater Devon Forensic Office.
A forensic spokesman said that “preliminary inquiries are currently underway.”
Last week, the MAIB declined to comment on reports that the victims were in wheelchairs at the time, or to say whether investigators would look to determine if they were tied to the boat and carrying buoyancy supports.