Canoeists who died in River Ouse named
Sarah Waller and Laura Pottinger got into difficulty earlier in the water
Two women who died after getting into difficulty in the River Ouse have been named, as their families pay tribute.
56-year-old Sarah Waller, of Wendover Drive, Bedford and 52-year-old Laura Pottinger, also of Wendover Drive, Bedford, were discovered on the morning of April 16, after reports of two capsized canoes.
Emergency services were called to the Weir Embankment in Water Lane.
Families of the women pay tribute
In a tribute, Sarah’s family said: “We are devastated at the tragic loss of our sister and aunt Sarah. She was much loved by all and had many friends within the Bedfordshire community.
“Sarah’s passion for canoeing was her way of being outside and at one with nature. For this to have taken her and Laura’s lives is beyond anything we can comprehend.
“We would like to thank everyone who has contacted the family, we have been overwhelmed with the amount of kind messages and shared memories - she really did touch a lot of people in her life, and she was sadly taken from us far too soon.”
Also paying tribute, Laura’s family said: “Laura, your passing has left us all completely heartbroken. Everyone who knew you has had their lives enriched by your kindness, intelligence, humour and love. It is going to be very hard to come to terms with you not being here anymore.
“You were a phenomenal mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and friend to many, you made the world such a happier and brighter place.
“Your wonderful talent has been taken away from us far too soon, but you have left an extraordinary legacy through your work in the arts. Rest in Peace.”
The file has been passed to the coroner to investigate.