Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, known as Ali, were aboard the boat with four other people when it capsized on Lake Roadford near Okehampton last Wednesday. Police removed the bodies of Wood and Tisley from the waterway the next day and were officially identified before being named by police on Tuesday. Alex Wood was a resident of Burdon Grange. Photo: Devon and Cornwall Police / PA The couple were residents of Burdon Grange in Highampton, Devon, which provides care for people with physical disabilities. A statement from Tilsley’s family said on Tuesday that “their hearts are broken forever” and that she “would miss them very much”. He said: “We are utterly devastated by the loss of our beautiful Ali. She was the most kind, loving and caring daughter, sister and aunt. Everyone who knew her loved her. Alison Tilsley’s family said she had a “fantastic sense of humor”. Photo: Devon and Cornwall Police / PA “She will miss her sunny nature, her positivity, her fantastic sense of humor and her skill in words. Our hearts are broken forever, but the messages of love and support we have received are of great comfort. We kindly ask for the protection of privacy at this very difficult time. “ Caregivers Stuart and Stephanie Kempton said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two of our most beloved members of our community. “Our thoughts are with the families, relatives and friends of the people who lost their lives, as well as with our residents and staff in our home.” They added: “We would like to thank the emergency services for their prompt response to the tragedy and their continued support at this extremely difficult time.” The other four people involved in the incident were all removed from the water after the boat capsized. Two were taken to Deriford Hospital for treatment and one has since been discharged. A woman around 50 remains in critical condition. The other two involved were checked by ambulances at the scene and later evacuated. Devon and Cornwall Police and the Maritime Accident Investigation Department (MAIB) are working on a parallel investigation into the incident. The force is also in contact with the office of the medical examiner of Exeter and Wider Devon. A spokesman for the medical examiner said that “preliminary investigations are currently underway”. Last week, the MAIB declined to comment on reports that the victims were in wheelchairs at the time or that investigators would seek to determine if they were tied to the boat and wearing buoyancy aids.
