Friends killed alongside one another in horrific accident as canoe capsizes

25 April 2023 , 12:29

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Laura Pottinger (left) and Sarah Waller (right) both tragically died when out canoeing (Image: Bedfordshire Police)

Tributes have poured in for two much-loved friends who died in a horrific canoeing accident.

Sarah Waller, 56, and Laura Pottinger, 52, both died after their canoes capsized along the River Ouse, in Kempston, Bedfordshire.

The pair got into difficulty when they were out on the water earlier this month, on April 16.

Then around 10.50am the emergency services were alerted to reports of two overturned canoes.

After they rushed to the scene, responders soon found two bodies.

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The two women were good friends, and had lived nearby in Bedford.

Now, following the tragedy, their families have paid tribute to them.

Police received a call after two overturned canoes were spotted along the River Ouse on the morning of April 16 (Terry Harris)

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.”

Police at the scene where the two women's canoes capsized (Terry Harris)

Sarah's brother Robert also posted: "It is with deep, deep sadness to write this, you may have already heard, our sister Sarah and her close friend tragically died in a canoe accident on Sunday 16 April.

"We are all in shock and trying to process what has happened."

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.”

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The coroner will now carry out an investigation into their deaths.

Kieren Williams