Brit siblings, 11 & 13, who drowned on ‘dream' Spain hols were ‘water babies' who went swimming every day, family says
Ameiya Parris and Ricardo Junior Parris
Tarragona
.
7
Ameiya Parris and Ricardo Junior Parris drowned during their 'dream' holiday in Spain
Credit: Facebook
7
Family say the kids were 'water babies' who used to swim every day
7
Ameiya and Ricardo Jr were in the water with dad Ricardo Sr when the trio were swept up in the difficult waters
Credit: Supplied
7
The siblings, known as Maya and Jubs, were enjoying a
Their aunty Kayla Delbrocco from Birmingham said the kids had been swimming "every day' in the sea - and would have had no reason to believe they were in danger.
She told The Sun: 'It was supposed to be a special day - the kids love the beach, they go every day.
'They've always been water babies - they'd been in every day. We had gone on holiday together there six years ago, so they were excited to go back and knew what to expect.
'It's beautiful out there. They were older, so they could remember, but their younger siblings hadn't experienced it before. So it was nice that the six of them were going.'
Aunty Kayla said the family headed to the beach just before 8.30pm on Tuesday for their nightly swim, just half an hour after lifeguards clocked off.
Ameiya and Ricardo Jr, known lovingly as Maya and Jubs, were in the water with dad Ricardo Sr, when the trio were swept up in the difficult waters, with the alarm raised just before 8.50pm.
Kayla continued: 'They weren't even that far in - they've been going there the same time every day. It was just another day for them.
Most read in The Sun
'It doesn't look like it's dangerous - They had like a yellow flag saying you're safe to go in, but just be careful.
'We've come to learn that the beach was dangerous; someone had died in the morning, the same day. A 54-year-old German man died the same day as the little ones.
Heartbreaking tributes to Brit friends, 27 & 29, who both drowned in Algarve holiday pool in 'unimaginable' tragedy
'There was no word about it or anything - no warning. We've come to learn that there have been 16/17 deaths there in the past month.'
Ricardo Sr desperately tried to save Maya and Jubs, but got into trouble himself in what was described as 'stormy' seas off the Spanish beach.
Their mum, Shanice, had taken the other four children to the toilet before returning to the dramatic scenes.
Aunty Kayla said: 'When it happened, my sister [Shanice] went to take the little ones to the bathroom. Then, when she came back, there was everyone everywhere.'
Emergency services rushed to the aid of the trio, and managed to revive Ricardo Jr, and with Maya and Jubs, Kayla said medics 'tirelessly tried to revive them'.
She said: 'They managed to save Ricardo Sr Junior was airlifted straight to the hospital and Maya was worked on at the beach.'
7
Ameiya and Ricardo Junior tragically drowned off the coast of Spain
7
7
The siblings, known as Maya and Jubs, were enjoying a family holiday with their parents and four other children
But tragically, despite the efforts of emergency services, Maya and Jubs both passed away - leaving the entire family devastated.
Kayla said: '[Ricardo Sr and Shanice] are going through the motions, they're keeping it together. They wouldn't be able to do it without each other.
'This is the first holiday where there were six [children] and they hadn't been on holiday for some time.
'They've been doing everything they can to make sure the [four] little ones are engaged. It's been a difficult time for them.'
Kayla confirmed that repatriation teams had been in contact with the family and that 'paperwork was ready' - with parents Shanice and Ricardo insisting they won't leave Salou without Maya and Jubs.
She added: 'They are staying there until they can bring the kids home - they won't leave without them.'
A GoFundMe was made by family friend Holly Marquis-Johnson in honour of Maya and Jubs, to help ' ease some of the financial burden' of repatriation and to give the 'dignified farewell they deserve'.
Leaving a heartbreaking tribute on the fundraiser, Holly wrote: 'Maya was intelligent, thoughtful, and growing into a strong young woman. Ricardo Junior was playful, kind, and always smiling.
'They brought so much love, laughter, and energy into the lives of everyone around them.'
The GoFundMe, which had a target of £15,000, has raised over £39,000 at the time of writing, with an outpouring of support from donors.
In a statement sent as a voice message to The Sun, Kayla expressed her gratitude to the public for the overwhelming support.
She said: 'We want to give our thanks as family for all the kindness and overwhelming generosity of the national community.
'Times are really difficult for everyone, yet people still sacrificed what they can to support our baby sister [Shanice] and Ricardo in this living nightmare.
'Our babies can come home now and we can all start grieving together. Thanks will never be enough, but sincere thanks from our hearts is all we can give you right now.
'We really appreciate what you have all done. Thank you.'
It comes after six-year-old Casius, who was also on the trip, is now
The heartbreaking words were told to the
Read more on the Irish Sun
Macalia said: "So that's his understanding of it, which is bittersweet, because that was what he saw.
"And it's beautiful that he thinks that's what happened, but very sadly tragic at the same time."
Tragic fundraiser for Maya and Jubs
A FUNDRAISER has been launched help support the family of Ameiya, 13, and Ricardo Junior, 11.
The GoFundMe page has been launched to raise money to help bring the two tragic children home after they died while swimming on holiday in Spain.
The page - set up by cousin Holly Marquis-Johnson - pays a heartbreaking tribute to the brother and sister from Birmingham.
It reads: "Two beautiful, bright, and deeply loved children, taken far too soon.
"The pain their family is feeling is unimaginable."
Ameiya is described as "intelligent , thoughtful and growing into a strong young woman", while Ricardo Junior was "playful, kind and always smiling".
To donate to the GoFundME click
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Award-winning Wetherspoons pub that has huge rooftop beer garden is right by the beach
Plus, how to save money at Wetherspoons CHEERS Award-winning Wetherspoons pub that has huge rooftop beer garden is right by the beach A WETHERSPOONS pint always goes down a treat - and even more so at this one venue that has a rooftop garden and sits right by the beach. Back in 2015, The Admiral Collingwood in Ilfracombe, North Devon, scooped up the prize of best new pub at the National Pub Design Awards. 3 The Admiral Collingwood is an award-winning pub in Ilfracombe, Devon Credit: Alamy And since, the boozer has become an icon of Ilfracombe's seafront after judges described it as "an uncompromisingly modern building where the glass dome offers urban presence, while the rest of the main elevation is understated yet sophisticated", according to Harrison Ince Architects. Inside, new artworks were commissioned for the pub at the time, and a steel sculpture of a wave breaking was installed. On the roof of the pub, there is a beer garden which is open between March and October and boasts amazing views across the coast. One recent visitor said: "The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality. Read more on travel inspo SHOW BOAT I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire "We love Ilfraspoons!" Another added: "The view and the amazing prices make the THE place to go" According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub serves three changing beers which often include ales from Fat Belly, GT Ales, Exmoor, Cotleigh and Bays featuring regularly. In the summer, this increases to four beers. And then additionally, there are three regular beers on offer to punters. Visitors also get to learn a bit of histroy about the purpose built pub when they visit, as the menu states: "Until its very recent closure, the Collingwood Hotel had welcomed visitors to north Devon's Ilfracombe for over 130 years. I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach "The imposing five-storey building was named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, Nelson's second-in-command at Trafalgar (who fought just off the Spanish coast in 1805). "Cuthbert Collingwood fired the first shot in the battle (one of British naval history's most famous and crucial) and took over command of the British fleet after the fatal wounding of his friend Horatio Nelson." Just a short walk away from the pub is Wildersmouth Beach, which is sheltered and shingle. Despite being central to Ilfracombe, the dog-friendly beach is often less crowded than other sandy beaches nearby. 3 Also in Ilfracombe is Damien Hirst's bronze Verity sculpture Credit: PA:Press Association Ilfracombe is also home to the Landmark Theatre, in Jubilee Gardens. For art lovers, make sure to follow the coast around to Ilfracombe's harbour where you will find Damien Hirst's bonze sculpture called Verity - a half-skinned pregnant woman, who stands 20 metres tall. The high street is also said to be a "thriving hub of independent shops", according to Visit Ilfracombe. There are many craft shops, gift shops and cafes to explore - and even a coffee-cum-craft shop. Sweet tooths will also enjoy the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, which sells handcrafted chocolates and has a chocolate museum - which is free to visit. And make sure to check out the department story Chas N Pedlar & Son, which has been running for over a century. The seaside town has a lot of choice for accommodating too, with lots of holiday homes. How can I save money at Wetherspoons? FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day. Check a map - Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other. So if you're planning a pint at a Spoons, it's worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you're settling in at the cheapest. Choose your day - Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights. For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual. Pick-up vouchers - Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled. Get appy - The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table - but you don't need to be in the pub to use it. Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play. Check the date - Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry. It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14. As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival. A Devon local has walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – these are her best spots The Salt Path movie doesn't show. Plus, Devon is also home to the best fish and chips in the UK.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Birmingham airport shuts as plane heading to Belfast makes emergency landing after in-flight ‘incident'
It will be closed until at least 6pm tonight FLIGHT CHAOS Birmingham airport shuts as plane heading to Belfast makes emergency landing after in-flight 'incident' BIRMINGHAM airport has shut after a private plane made an emergency landing. All departures and arrivals are grounded until 6pm this evening. 3 The closure was announced on the airport's social media 3 All departures and arrivals at Birmingham Airport are on pause until 6pm this evening Credit: Alamy 3 The runway was shut because of an urgent flight diversion Credit: Alamy This is because a Beech King Air, which had been going to Belfast, had an in-flight emergency and diverted to Birmingham instead. A statement posted on the airport's social media reads: "Following an aircraft incident, the runway is temporarily closed. "We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. "We will keep passengers already at the airport informed and those due to travel later today are advised to check the status of their flight before coming to the airport. "We will continue to issues updates when we can." Around 100 flights are likely to be impacted. It has not been reported how many people were aboard the plane which diverted, although King Airs usually carry at least two pilots. So far, eight inbound flights have been forced to divert away from Birmingham Airport. Ryanair and Jet2 flights have gone as far away as Stansted and Manchester airports instead. Birmingham Airport is the seventh-largest airport in the UK - the third biggest outside of London, In 2023, it had about 11.5million passengers, and has about 130 direct routes served by 30 airlines. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I went to the new immersive experience that feels like being in Grease – with 50s themed funfair and huge live show
I HAD walked straight into 1959, surrounded by red and white Rydell High memorabilia and dazzling lights of carnival rides. Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical had immediately transported me out of London in 2025 and landed me in the world of Sandy and Danny in the 1950s. 10 Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical has landed in London Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 Guests get to dress up from the 50s and explore the world of Rydell High Credit: Cyann Fielding Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here It was the latest edition of the immersive cinema company's productions that transport guests into the worlds we see on the screen, following the success of Casino Royal and Stranger Thing. "Welcome to your first day of school," a women dressed in Rydell colours chimed. Hundreds of guests - or should I say 'students' - had fully embraced the experience for the next few hours, dressing themselves in ankle-length skits, Pink Ladies Jackets and T-Birds leather. Read more on travel inspo SHOW BOAT I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire The production staff even wore Greased Lightnin' mechanics outfits, splattered with oil. It felt like a time machine had dropped me into the world of Sandy and Danny, more than 65 years in the past. Guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair, to enjoy the attractions at the experience. There was a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, hook-a-duck and even the iconic fun house from Sandy's unforgettable transformation scene. Food vendors line the edge of the carnival, where I opted for a £13 vegan hot dog, complete with beer-infused onions. Pricey, for sure, but in line with what you would expect at a London event. As for a tipple, the £12.50 Lillet Hugo Spritz was a nice nod to The Pink Ladies - made with elderflower, rose and fresh mint. 'I visited the new Traitors live experience' Eventually, it was time to leave the carnival behind and step through the doors of Rydell High. Inside, the school's gymnasium dominated the room, serving as the central stage for the night's performance. Around the edges, themed bars and seating areas were scattered - each also playing a role in the experience. My table was at Frosty's Palace, which was decked out with blue and white booths and classic diner tables. The table was then complete with a bottle of rose in an ice bucket - another subtle wink to The Pink Ladies. Rows of vintage cars had been converted into tables, the auto shop was slick with oil and the bleachers were ready for Patty Simcox to screech about school spirit. 10 Inside, there are several areas including the auto shop Credit: Luke Dyson 10 Characters also immersive themselves in the audience Credit: Every area had been well thought out with the creators not just producing a stage for a show, but a world to transport yourself into. The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors took to the stage to bring them to life, all before cutting back to the movie. My only criticism would be that at times it felt a little overwhelming to the senses. I found myself on occasions unsure where to look or what to listen to as the sound from the film, orchestra and actors sometimes battle against each other. Yet, the entire time my feet tapped and I couldn't help but sing along. 10 For the final scenes, the audience head back outside Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 In the carnival area, there are a number of rides to enjoy and food stalls Credit: Cyann Fielding And the entire performance really was full of unforgettable moment after unforgettable moment. One guest, in a silver dress with curlers in her hair, was plucked from her seat to perform in the 'Beauty School Dropout' scene. In another scene, Danny performed in his car whilst dancers flipped and spun around him. Both the dancing and singing throughout the experience was breathtakingly flawless. The energy to sing and dance simultaneously as they did, really deserves recognition. Liam Buckland - who played Danny - nailed John Travolta's swagger, complete with slicked-back hair and a cheeky-yet-charming attitude. 10 The dancing and singing is brilliant to see Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 And you can sing along and dance as well Credit: Luke Dyson Unlike traditional West End shows, most ticketholders stand and move freely about the room. The actors even join in, chatting to guests whilst fully in character. One student dropped by our table to rant about being 'left out of Frenchy's sleepover' - dragging us directly into the drama. For the finale, the audience was led back outside to the carnival. Sandy's final transformation scene with song 'You're the One That I Want' really did bring the house down. Yes, there were leather trousers and red lippy. Yes, they shimmied on the Shake Shack. Yes, it did send the audience wild. 10 Iconic moments play out before your eyes including Sandy and Danny in the Shake Shack Credit: Cyann Fielding By the end of the night, one thing was clear: the experience really did 'have me a blast'. In a city with so many stage shows and immersive experiences, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical stood out like a Pink Lady's jacket in a sea of beige. The experience runs until September 7 in Battersea Park, London and tickets cost from £49 per person. I also headed to the new Traitors live experience - it was a heart-pounding world of lies and best friend-betrayal. And I have also seen the new Titanic immersive exhibition - I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another 'wow' moment.
