Tributes paid to couple after honeymoon tragedy

Tributes paid to couple after honeymoon tragedy

28 October 2015

THE family and friends of a Ballygowan man who died with his new wife while on honeymoon in South Africa last week have paid tribute to a couple “destined to be together forever.”

Newly weds John (28) and Lynette Rodgers (26) tragically drowned at Plettenberg Bay near Cape Town on Friday.

They had married just six days previously in Lynette’s hometown of Holywood.

Relatives have this week said the couple, who had met six years ago, “will always be remembered as one couple.”

‘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,” a statement said.

‘Our happiness in sharing their recent wedding has been thoroughly devastated. Both were very dearly loved and brought us great joy.’

John’s best friend and best man at his wedding, Rob McFarland, has also paid an emotional online tribute to the engineering graduate, who worked in Belfast.

“I’ve spent the day absolutely stunned and completely devastated at losing my best friend and his beautiful wife last night whilst they were celebrating their honeymoon,” he wrote.

“I’m not usually one to put my emotions onto Facebook, but I can’t help but read all the overwhelmingly kind words that everyone has to say about John Rodgers and Lynette Rodgers.

“I think it is just testament to what everyone thought of them and how much of an impact they had on those who know them.

“It doesn’t make it any easier but I seek comfort in the fact that they had just had one of the best weeks of their life and were together.

“Here’s toasting one of the best couples I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Wherever you are, I love you both with all my heart.”