Latest news with #AshtonTownFC
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Football club chairman held dying wife in his arms after horror jet ski crash
Debra Wright, 47, was riding a jet ski with her husband Chris when the collision happened at Los Toros beach in Manilva, Costa del Sol - and tragically died in his arms A Brit mum-of-four tragically died in her husband's arms after a horrific crash between a jet ski and a speedboat on a beach in Spain 's Costa del Sol. Debra Wright, 47, was riding a jet ski with her husband Chris when the pair were caught in the collision on Saturday evening at Los Toros beach in Manilva, just west of Estepona. The speedboat was allegedly driven by a friend of the couple, who reportedly failed a breath test after the crash. Chris, 52, chairman of Ashton Town FC, swam to his wife in the aftermath and cradled her as she slipped away. Debra, a primary school teaching assistant, was described by her heartbroken husband as 'the glue' of the family. In tribute, Chris said: 'My darling wife was a 47-year-old mother of four wonderful sons, Stuart, Jack, Josh and Leon and a nanny to seven beautiful grandchildren. 'She was an incredible sister and doting daughter. She was our compass, the glue to bind the family, an amazing woman whose glow would fill any room. She was so enigmatic, inspirational and loving. Our family will never be the same.' In a heartbreaking tribute posted to Facebook, Debra's son, Stuart McDonald, said: 'MUM… I never knew how much I needed someone until now, I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you just how much I loved you every single day. "You meant the world to me. You know I was never one for a Facebook post, but this is just for you. Sleep tight Mum, I miss you so much. Life will never be the same without you.' Paying tribute in another post, Debra's son Leon Wright said: 'Words can't describe how much I'm missing you right now. You were the life and soul of every party, I am so happy to be called your son and I couldn't have asked for anyone better to be my mum." The couple were riding the jet ski when it was struck from behind off Los Toros beach, a police source said. Spanish court officials said the speedboat driver was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and an alcohol-related offence after failing a breath test. According to local outlets, including Diario Sur, the reading on the breath test was not a high one. The man was reportedly released after a secret court hearing on Sunday, with the investigation still ongoing. He remains unnamed and has not been formally charged with any offence. Ashton Town FC, which is based in Greater Manchester and plays in the North West Counties League Division One North, said in a statement on Monday: 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, the 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. 'RIP Debra, fly high sweetheart x.'
Fox News
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Wife of British soccer club executive killed in jet ski collision in Spain
Debra Wright, the wife of a soccer team executive in England, was tragically killed in Spain over the weekend after a reported collision involving a jet ski and speedboat, the team announced in a statement Monday. Ashton Town Football Club, which plays in Division One North of the North West Counties League, released a statement on social media confirming the death of 47-year-old Wright, the wife of team chairman Chris Wright. "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," a statement on X said. "Our family are in mourning at this sad time and we ask for time for Chris and his family and everyone and the club to be able to start to come to terms with this tragedy. RIP Debra, fly high sweetheart." Wright was aboard a jet ski being ridden by a friend near Playa de Los Toros, in Manilva, Malaga, at around 7 p.m. when the watercraft was struck by a speed boat, The Times reported, citing local law enforcement. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators told the outlet the driver of the speedboat allegedly had a "low" test reading for alcohol and that the individual had been detained on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. According to The Times, the person was released. Tributes for Debra Wright poured in on social media. The team announced Monday that its match against Burscough was postponed "as a mark of respect" for the Wright family. "Our thoughts and love are with everyone who knew and cherished her," the team said. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Chris Wright's wife Debra Wright dies in Spain jet ski tragedy sparking grief across Ashton Town FC
Debra Wright, wife of Chris Wright, dies in Spain jet ski tragedy sparking grief across Ashton Town FC (Image via Getty) A terrible accident on holiday in Spain has shocked one English football club. A woman who was part of the club's close knit family passed away suddenly and the club is grieving. Details have since emerged but on Monday, Ashton Town Football Club in the UK released the sad news, and a lot of people still can't understand what has happened. The woman had strong ties to the club and was loved by many, she leaves behind a grieving family and a football morale bereaved community. Debra Wright, wife of Ashton Town FC Chairman Chris Wright, dies in jet ski crash in Spain On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Debra Wright, wife of hired Weston Town FC chairman Chris Wright, was killed in an unfortunate jet ski accident on vacation in Spain. The incident took place around 7:00PM local time, on the Playa de Los Toros beach. Based on The Times and SUR in English reports, Debra Wright was riding a jet ski when a speed boat operated by a friend collided with her at sea. She was only 43. Local police services (Guardia Civil) said emergency services responded quickly after those in the vicinity alerted authorities. Despite their response, Debra Wright was declared dead at the scene, with reports confirming that, sadly, she died from the impact. The man operating the boat was tested for alcohol and results showed he was over the limit. He was arrested for suspected involuntary manslaughter and released by police on bail. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kate Middleton's Daring Outfit Took Prince William's Breath Away Learn It Wise Undo by Taboola by Taboola Chris Wright and Ashton Town FC share their grief after losing Debra Wright On Monday, June 30, Ashton Town Football Club posted a heartfelt message on social media. 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, wife of Chris our Chairman,' the club wrote. 'Our family are in mourning at this sad time.' Many friends and fans shared kind words online. A former player, Tyler Magee, wrote, 'Always a smile on Debra's face. So sorry to hear.' Another user posted, 'Known Debra for years… her smile lit up the room.' The investigation into the accident is still ongoing, as officials decide what legal action to take next. Also Read: Big Beautiful Bill: Tax, Subsidy Cut On Clean Energy Trigger Outrage Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Incredible' mum dies in jet ski incident on Costa Del Sol trip
An "incredible" mum has died in a jet ski incident while on holiday in the Spanish resort of Costa del Wright from St Helens, Merseyside, was killed after the jet ski she was riding on was involved in a crash with a speedboat. The 47-year-old is the wife of Ashton Town FC's chairman Chris Wright, with the club saying it was "deeply saddened" by the news. Mrs Wright's son Stu McDonald, paid tribute to his mum and has described her as the "life and soul of the party" adding "I simply don't want to do life without her". "It's incredible to see how many lives she has touched, all in a fun positive way. She was incredible." he said. A FCDO Spokesperson confirmed they are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in to its social media feeds, Ashton Town FC posted its own tribute to Mrs Wright and confirmed the club's upcoming game has been postponed as a mark of respect."The Ashton Town family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Debra." Its tribute said. It added: "Our thoughts and love are with everyone who knew and cherished her." Ashton Town FC plays at Bartons Group stadium on Edge Green Street, in Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, and compete in the North West Counties League Division One BBC has contacted Spanish Police. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
ITV News
a day ago
- Sport
- ITV News
Mother and wife of Ashton Town FC chairman killed in jet ski incident in Malaga
Tributes have been paid to a mother and wife who did "so much for our community", after she was killed in a '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.
