The grief stricken families of John and Lynette Rogers have opened up about their heartbreak following the newlyweds' tragic passing in South Africa on Friday.
John and Lynette, who exchanged vows on Saturday October 17th, travelled to South Africa on honeymoon, but tragically lost their lives after getting caught in a rip tide at Plettenberg Bay.
According to South Africa's National Sea Rescue, John's body was discovered at 6pm on Friday evening with the discovery of his wife's taking place 200 metres away on the same beach.
Breaking their silence on a tragedy which has devastated communities in their native Co. Down, the family of the late couple paid tribute to the much-loved newlyweds.
"It has come as a great shock to both the Reilly and Rodgers families to learn of the sudden and tragic events in South Africa, which has taken the lives of Lynette and John." it began.
Comparing the joy of their recent wedding day with the weekend's heartache, the statement continued: "Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy."
With the families now requesting privacy to grieve in private, North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne assured press they would be offered every possible support by the wider public.
"There is widespread shock and a real sense of numbness within the local community in Holywood at this time, particularly as the young lady was born in Holywood, attended the local schools in the area, and was from a very well respected family," he said.
"For a tragedy like this to happen days after their wedding during their honeymoon is beyond words," he said, while expressing his condolences to both John and Lynette's family and friends.
Our thoughts go out to the couple's devastated family and friends at this time.
