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Roadford Lake boat deaths: Victims named by police

Devon and Cornwall Police Alison Tilsley and Alex WoodDevon and Cornwall Police
Alison Tilsley and Alex Wood were on a boat with four others who were rescued from the reservoir

Two disabled people who died after a boat capsized on a lake have been named by police.

Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, were on the boat at Roadford Lake, near Okehampton in Devon on Wednesday.

Ms Tilsley's family said they were "devastated" by the death of the "kind, caring and loving" woman.

Mr Wood and Ms Tilsley were "much-loved" residents at Burdon Grange Care Home in Beaworthy, Devon, said the home's owners.

Emergency services
Devon and Cornwall Police said it was working alongside the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the coroner on the investigation

Four other people were rescued from the water, including a woman in her 50s, who remains in a critical condition at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, said police.

No other boats were involved in the incident.

"We are totally devastated by the loss of our beautiful Ali," said Ms Tilsley's family in a statement.

"She was the most kind, caring and loving daughter, sister and auntie. She was loved by everyone who ever met her.

"Her sunny nature, positivity, fantastic sense of humour and skill with words will be greatly missed.

"Our hearts are broken forever but the messages of love and support we have received are of great comfort."

PA Media Roadford LakePA Media
The South West Lakes Trust has closed an activity centre at the lake until further notice

Care home owners Stuart and Stephanie Kempton said in a statement: "Words cannot express how devastated we are following Wednesday's tragedy at Roadford Lake, where two of our residents lost their lives.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of two, much-loved members of our community.

"Our thoughts are with the families, relatives and friends of the people who lost their lives, and with our residents and staff at our care home."

They added that their "thoughts are also with" the woman who was critically injured, who is also a resident at the care home.

The care home owners thanked the emergency services for their "swift response to the tragedy and their continuing support, during this extremely difficult time".

Burdon Grange is a 30-bed home which offers care for adults with physical disabilities.

Rescue boat
Emergency services were thanked for their swift response

The South West Lakes Trust runs activities including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and sailing.

The 730 acre (1.9 square mile) lake has been a reservoir since 1989 and supplies water to Plymouth and other parts of south Devon, according to Visit Dartmoor.

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