Mother claims something was ‘wrong’ with Spanish resort pool where trio died
The mother of two children who drowned alongside their father while holidaying in the Costa del Sol said all three could swim, and claimed there was something "wrong" with the pool they died in.
Christian pastor Gabriel Diya, 52, his daughter Comfort Diya, nine, and his son Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died on Christmas Eve at the Club La Costa World holiday resort in Fuengirola, Spain.
An "utterly heartbroken" Olubunmi Diya said she believed "something was wrong with the pool that must have made swimming difficult for them at that point in time".
Hotel operator CLC World Resorts and Hotels previously said inquiries had found "no concerns relating to the pool in question" and the incident appeared to be a "tragic accident".
In a statement, Mrs Diya said her husband and the two children, who were reportedly on holiday with another unharmed daughter, were able to swim, contrary to earlier media reports.
She said: "The whole family, all five of us went to the pool together and were all present when the incident occurred.
"The children were not left unattended.
"We followed the instructions displayed by the poolside at all times."
In a statement released on Christmas Day, CLC World Resorts and Hotels said: "The Guardia Civil have carried out a full investigation which found no concerns relating to the pool in question or procedures in place, which leaves us to believe this was a tragic accident which has left everyone surrounding the incident in shock."
With heavy hearts, we extend our condolences to the family, parish, friends and associates of Area Pastor Gabriel Diya...
Posted by Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Central Office, UK on Thursday, December 26, 2019
Mrs Diya added in her statement: "Our family are utterly heartbroken by the events last Tuesday, but we are comforted and strengthened by our strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
"We are deeply shocked, saddened and struggling to come to terms with their passing.
"They all brought a joy and love to the world and to everyone that crossed their path.
"We love them all dearly, will always remember them in our hearts and miss them greatly."
Mr Diya's Facebook account lists him as a pastor at Open Heavens London, a Christian religious group with origins in Nigeria, based in Charlton.
