01-07-2025
Husband held dying wife in arms after jet ski crash off Costa del Sol
The husband of a British grandmother who died after a fatal collision between her jet ski and a speedboat off the Costa del Sol said that he held his wife in his arms while she died.
Debra Wright, 47, died on Saturday near Playa de Los Toros, in Manilva, Malaga.
Paying tribute to his wife, Chris Wright described her as 'an amazing woman whose glow would fill any room' and 'one of a kind'.
According to the Guardia Civil police force and local emergency services, Wright was a passenger on a jet ski steered by a British friend. They were part of a small group at sea when their jet ski was struck by the speedboat, which was reported to have been driven by another friend, at about 7pm on Saturday.
Despite efforts to resuscitate her, Wright was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Wright, 52, who is chairman of Ashton Town Football Club, who play in the North West Counties Football League, said he was on the jet ski with her and 'swam to her to hold her in my arms until she passed away'.
He 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.'
The couple lived together in Standish, Wigan. Debra was the director of the family company, LRL Recruitment Wigan.
Playa de Los Toros
The club said in a statement: '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 while 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.'
Wright was a teaching assistant at St James CE Primary School and lived in Manchester, according to her social media profiles.
Her son Stu Mcdonald said in a post on Facebook: 'I'm so angry and upset, totally lost, 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 thank you 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.'
Another son, Leon Wright, said: 'Mum you were one of a kind. Words can't describe how much I'm missing you right now. You was 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.
'I just want to say thank you for all the great memories you have given me, thank you for all your support you have given me, thank you for all your love you have given and thank you for everything else that you have done for me.
'I will make sure Riley and Ava know how amazing their Nanny Deb was and they will never forget you.'
Police investigations are said to have revealed that the speedboat driver tested positive for alcohol, although it was reported to be only a 'low' reading. He was detained on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and an alcohol‑related offence before being released under investigation. Investigators are focusing on whether a reckless manoeuvre or an abrupt turn by either vessel caused the collision.
The Guardia Civil has formally transferred its case file to the judicial authorities, which will determine whether charges are pursued and whether custody is warranted.
Fatal accidents involving jet skis and speedboats have marred recent summers along the Costa del Sol. In July last year a 32‑year‑old woman and a seven‑year‑old child died in separate jet ski incidents in Malaga. The authorities subsequently launched more patrols, using drones and unmarked boats to identify dangerous driving and enforce maritime law.
