
'Sweetheart' Brit woman killed in holiday hotspot jet ski crash is pictured
A British mum who tragically died in a collision between a speedboat and jet ski in Spain has been named as 43-year-old Debra Wright, the wife of Ashton Town FC chairman Chris Wright.
Ashton Town FC is based in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, and plays in the North West Counties League Division One North. The club said in a statement this evening: 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, the wife of Chris our Chairman who was tragically killed whilst on holiday in Spain on Saturday evening.
'Our family are in mourning at this sad time and we ask for time for Chris and his family and everyone at the club to be able to start to come to terms with this tragedy. RIP Debra, fly high sweetheart x.'
Pilkington Football Club responded by saying: 'Really sorry to hear this. sending all of our love to Chris and family.' Well-wisher Ben Jenkins added: 'So sorry for your loss Chris. All thoughts going out to you and all the family.'
Spanish court officials said a man arrested over the death, described as a friend of the victim's, appeared in court yesterday on suspicion of manslaughter and an alcohol-related offence. The unnamed man had failed a breath test after Saturday evening's tragedy, police said.
He is understood to have been released on bail by an investigating judge pending an ongoing criminal probe.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


South Wales Guardian
26 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Scheme to register foreign agents comes into force but China avoids top tier
The new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs) comes into effect from Tuesday, requiring anyone carrying out 'political influence activities' on behalf of a foreign power to register with the Government or face prosecution. The rules, which cover activities such as political communications or lobbying, were introduced in 2023 as part of efforts to strengthen national security amid concerns about covert action by foreign governments. Security minister Dan Jarvis said: 'We welcome legitimate engagement with all countries, but we will not tolerate covert attempts to manipulate our political system or society. 'The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme gives us the tools to confront growing threats to our national security, one of the foundations of our plan for change, without compromising the openness that defines our democracy.' The new rules also include an 'enhanced tier', which requires anyone working for certain states to declare any activity, not just political work. Mr Jarvis said: 'This is about creating accountability and visibility so that covert influence operations have nowhere to hide, and ensuring we have the tools to detect and disrupt them.' Failing to register with Firs carries a maximum sentence of two years, or five years for agents of states in the enhanced tier. So far, only Iran and Russia have been placed in the enhanced tier, with both nations accused of operating covertly in the UK to shape public opinion and intimidate opponents. But despite calls from some MPs to include China in the enhanced tier, Russia and Iran remain the only nations on the list. Beijing has been repeatedly accused of seeking to covertly influence British politics and academia. A 2023 report by Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee found China had engaged in 'aggressive' interference, including seeking to 'penetrate or buy academia to ensure that its international narrative is advanced and criticism of China suppressed.' Following the announcement in April that Russia would be included in the enhanced tier, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it was 'astonishing' that China had not received similar treatment and accused the Government of 'prioritising economic links over national security'. At the time, Mr Jarvis replied that the Government had a 'consistent long-term and strategic approach' to the UK's relationship with China. He added: 'The Government's policy is clear – we will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to and challenge where we must, including on issues of national security.'


Glasgow Times
31 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Scheme to register foreign agents comes into force but China avoids top tier
The new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs) comes into effect from Tuesday, requiring anyone carrying out 'political influence activities' on behalf of a foreign power to register with the Government or face prosecution. The rules, which cover activities such as political communications or lobbying, were introduced in 2023 as part of efforts to strengthen national security amid concerns about covert action by foreign governments. Security minister Dan Jarvis said: 'We welcome legitimate engagement with all countries, but we will not tolerate covert attempts to manipulate our political system or society. 'The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme gives us the tools to confront growing threats to our national security, one of the foundations of our plan for change, without compromising the openness that defines our democracy.' The new rules also include an 'enhanced tier', which requires anyone working for certain states to declare any activity, not just political work. Mr Jarvis said: 'This is about creating accountability and visibility so that covert influence operations have nowhere to hide, and ensuring we have the tools to detect and disrupt them.' Failing to register with Firs carries a maximum sentence of two years, or five years for agents of states in the enhanced tier. So far, only Iran and Russia have been placed in the enhanced tier, with both nations accused of operating covertly in the UK to shape public opinion and intimidate opponents. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said in April it was 'astonishing' that China had not received similar treatment to Russia (PA) But despite calls from some MPs to include China in the enhanced tier, Russia and Iran remain the only nations on the list. Beijing has been repeatedly accused of seeking to covertly influence British politics and academia. A 2023 report by Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee found China had engaged in 'aggressive' interference, including seeking to 'penetrate or buy academia to ensure that its international narrative is advanced and criticism of China suppressed.' Following the announcement in April that Russia would be included in the enhanced tier, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it was 'astonishing' that China had not received similar treatment and accused the Government of 'prioritising economic links over national security'. At the time, Mr Jarvis replied that the Government had a 'consistent long-term and strategic approach' to the UK's relationship with China. He added: 'The Government's policy is clear – we will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to and challenge where we must, including on issues of national security.'


Times
42 minutes ago
- Times
Husband held dying wife in arms after jet ski crash off Costa del Sol
The husband of a British grandmother who died after a fatal collision between her jet ski and a speedboat off the Costa del Sol said that he held his wife in his arms while she died. Debra Wright, 47, died on Saturday near Playa de Los Toros, in Manilva, Malaga. Paying tribute to his wife, Chris Wright described her as 'an amazing woman whose glow would fill any room' and 'one of a kind'. According to the Guardia Civil police force and local emergency services, Wright was a passenger on a jet ski steered by a British friend. They were part of a small group at sea when their jet ski was struck by the speedboat, which was reported to have been driven by another friend, at about 7pm on Saturday. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, Wright was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Wright, 52, who is chairman of Ashton Town Football Club, who play in the North West Counties Football League, said he was on the jet ski with her and 'swam to her to hold her in my arms until she passed away'. He said: 'My darling wife was a 47-year-old mother of four wonderful sons Stuart, Jack, Josh and Leon and a nanny to seven beautiful grandchildren. She was an incredible sister and doting daughter. 'She was our compass, the glue to bind the family. An amazing woman whose glow would fill any room. She was so enigmatic, inspirational and loving. Our family will never be the same.' The couple lived together in Standish, Wigan. Debra was the director of the family company, LRL Recruitment Wigan. Playa de Los Toros The club said in a statement: 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, the wife of Chris our chairman, who was tragically killed while on holiday in Spain on Saturday evening. 'Our family are in mourning at this sad time and we ask for time for Chris and his family and everyone at the club to be able to start to come to terms with this tragedy. RIP Debra, fly high sweetheart x.' Wright was a teaching assistant at St James CE Primary School and lived in Manchester, according to her social media profiles. Her son Stu Mcdonald said in a post on Facebook: 'I'm so angry and upset, totally lost, I don't even know how to move forward without you. You are my Mum, my best friend, I wish I could swap places with you, if I could knowing you would be OK I would do it in a heartbeat. 'It would be impossible to thank you for everything you have done for us, you loved me when I couldn't love myself, you've backed me every step of the way. I really hope I made you just the tiniest bit proud.' Another son, Leon Wright, said: 'Mum you were one of a kind. Words can't describe how much I'm missing you right now. You was the life and soul of every party, I am so happy to be called your son and I couldn't have asked for anyone better to be my Mum. 'I just want to say thank you for all the great memories you have given me, thank you for all your support you have given me, thank you for all your love you have given and thank you for everything else that you have done for me. 'I will make sure Riley and Ava know how amazing their Nanny Deb was and they will never forget you.' Police investigations are said to have revealed that the speedboat driver tested positive for alcohol, although it was reported to be only a 'low' reading. He was detained on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and an alcohol‑related offence before being released under investigation. Investigators are focusing on whether a reckless manoeuvre or an abrupt turn by either vessel caused the collision. The Guardia Civil has formally transferred its case file to the judicial authorities, which will determine whether charges are pursued and whether custody is warranted. Fatal accidents involving jet skis and speedboats have marred recent summers along the Costa del Sol. In July last year a 32‑year‑old woman and a seven‑year‑old child died in separate jet ski incidents in Malaga. The authorities subsequently launched more patrols, using drones and unmarked boats to identify dangerous driving and enforce maritime law.