Mother and wife of Ashton Town FC chairman killed in jet ski incident in Malaga
Debra Haines, the wife of Ashton Town FC - in Wigan - Chairman Chris Wright, died on Saturday 28 June near Los Toros beach after a motorboat reportedly collided with a jet ski.
In a social media post, her son Stu paid tribute and described Ms Haines as his "best friend".
He said: "I don't even know how to move forward without you. You are my Mum, my best friend, I wish I could swap places with you, if I could knowing you would be ok I would do it in a heartbeat.
"It would be impossible to Thankyou for everything you have done for us, you loved me when I couldn't love myself, you've backed me every step of the way. I really hope I made you just the tiniest bit proud."
In a statement, Ashton Town FC said the club was "in mourning".
The club said: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, wife of Chris our Chairman who was tragically killed whilst on holiday in Spain on Saturday evening.
"Our family are in mourning at this sad time and we ask for time for Chris and his family and everyone at the club to be able to start to come to terms with this tragedy."
Local councillor Danny Fletcher posted on social media: "Extending my heartfelt condolences following the tragic passing of Debra, beloved wife of Ashton Town FC Chairman, Chris Wright.
"What an amazing family, done so much for our community. My thoughts are with Chris, his family and everyone at Ashton Town FC.
"Anything that Wigan Council can do to help, they will be there."
A number of local clubs paid tribute to Ms Haines and offered their condolences.
Local rivals Ashton Athletic wrote: "We are deeply saddened to hear the devastating news of the passing of Debra Wright at Ashton Town.
"Everyone at Ashton Athletic sends their heartfelt condolences to Chris, his family, and all at Ashton Town. Our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time."
Chorley FC added: "Everybody at Chorley sends their heartfelt condolences to all at Ashton Town. Our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time."
Local paper Sur in English reported that the Guardia Civil in Malaga said Ms Haines was a passenger on the jet ski, which was being driven by Mr Wright, when it collided with the motorboat.
The driver of the motorboat was arrested at the scene on suspicion of manslaughter and being in charge of a boat while under the influence of alcohol, but has since been released under investigation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Rangers sign 23 y/o with 'huge potential' amid 'shock' over Ibrox move - and Norway star could follow
Defender arrives from League One in England Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers have made it two new signings in one day after confirming the arrival of Emmanuel Fernandez on a permanent transfer from Peterborough United. The Ibrox side announced the capture of midfielder Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth earlier on Wednesday with the 30-year-old reuniting with head coach Russell Martin following a previous spell together at Southampton. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rothwell will be joined at Rangers by centre-back Fernandez, who has signed a four-year deal after spending the past four years with the English League One outfit. New Rangers signing Emmanuel Fernandez in action for Peterborough United last season. (Photo by) | Getty Images The 23-year-old, who has also had spells with Gillingham and Ramsgate, admitted that the interest from the Glasgow giants came as a shock. "I am honoured, it is a huge club with a great fanbase and I think I can kickstart my career and have a good journey here," the Englishman said. 'I was shocked when I heard about Rangers because it is such a big club but it was the place I wanted to be. 'I haven't played at this level, there will be a lot of life changes for me, but it is something I want to be part of and I can't wait to get started.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The arrivals of Rothwell and Fernandez bring the total number of new signings at Ibrox this summer to four with Lyall Cameron recruited from Dundee and Max Aarons joining on loan from Bournemouth. Rangers head coach Martin added: 'Emmanuel is a young defender with a huge amount of potential, and I am excited to welcome him to the club. 'He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe in this environment we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level. 'I'm looking forward to welcoming him into the group and getting to work.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers seal ANOTHER transfer as Russell Martin bolsters defence with second signing of the day
Things are getting busy at Ibrox ahead of the campaign SIGNING SPREE Rangers seal ANOTHER transfer as Russell Martin bolsters defence with second signing of the day RANGERS have bolstered their defence with less than three weeks to go until their Champions League qualifiers. That's after new boss Russell Martin sealed the signing of Emmanuel Fernandez, who becomes the club's second signing of the day. Advertisement 3 Emmanuel Fernandez has joined Rangers Credit: Getty 3 Russell Martin has added to his defence Credit: PA Fernandez, 23, joins Rangers from English League One outfit Peterborough. He follows Joe Rothwell through the door after the midfielder's capture from Bournemouth was confirmed this afternoon. Fernandez began his career in the youth systems of Brentford and Gillingham, before dropping to non-league with Ramsgate. The centre-back was snapped-up by Peterborough in 2021 and he enjoyed a breakout campaign last season. Advertisement He made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring five times from the back. Fernandez was one of two Posh players being targeted by the Gers, but they lost out on teammate Kwame Poku who joined QPR instead. Rangers and their new manager have been busy in the transfer market and more new players look set to arrive in the coming days and weeks. Lyall Cameron was the first man through the door having signed a pre-contract back in January to join from Dundee. Advertisement Bournemouth defender Max Aarons became the second new signing after arriving on loan for the season. The right-back is well known to Gers boss Martin from their time at Norwich. Ex-Rangers supremo David Murray on the club's new owners and why Gio shouldn't have been sacked Joe Rothwell, who worked under Martin at Southampton, became the third signing. The 30-year old enjoyed success last season while on loan at Leeds from Bournemouth, helping the Elland Road side to promotion. Advertisement After three years at the Cherries, he's now departed permanently to sign on at Ibrox. Rangers' pre-season campaign gets underway with a friendly clash against Club Brugge. The Gers' next match will be their first Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos on July 21. 3 Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Thelo Aasgaard in Rangers transfer 'talks' as manager's warning rings loud and clear amid Ibrox solution
The Norway international only joined Luton Town in January from Wigan Athletic but looks to be on the move again Thelo Aasgaard is reportedly in talks to join Rangers from Luton Town. Hot on the heels of landing Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth, Russell Martin is keen to add another midfielder and the Daily Mai l claims that Aasgaard is discussing a move to Ibrox. The 23-year-old has one cap for Norway and only joined the Hatters from Wigan Athletic back in January. However, they are open to doing a deal that would see them make a not insignificant profit on Aasgaard, who they shelled out £3million to land just a few months ago. However, a second successive relegation saw them drop into League One this summer and the financial challenges that come with it. And after international boss Stale Solbakken warned that Aasgaard's place in his squad was at risk if he was to remain in the third tier of English football, a switch to the Scottish Premiership and the chance to play European football would allay any fears over not adding to his solitary cap. "League One is too low a level," he said. "Championship is no problem, with his development that level is good enough, but with League One, that's where it stops. There are many leagues he can play in. He is a versatile midfielder with good qualities both offensively and defensively." Aasgaard has already admitted that the 2026 World Cup next summer is a factor when deciding whether to stay at Luton or not. He said: "It's a difficult situation for the club," he told VG. "I felt I performed well in a difficult situation for the club. 'It's hard to say. Everyone is on vacation now. What I can say is that the World Cup in a year is a big goal for me." Liverpool-born Aasgaard began his career at Anfield, and qualifies for Norway through his father. He made 163 appearances over five years with the Latics, netting 30 goals. His versatility appeals to Martin, with the player able operate anywhere in midfield or out wide, and has been utilised as a striker on occasion.
