
Mother and wife of Ashton Town FC chairman killed in jet ski incident in Malaga
Debra Haines, the wife of Ashton Town FC - in Wigan - Chairman Chris Wright, died on Saturday 28 June near Los Toros beach after a motorboat reportedly collided with a jet ski.
In a social media post, her son Stu paid tribute and described Ms Haines as his "best friend".
He said: "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 Thankyou 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."
In a statement, Ashton Town FC said the club was "in mourning".
The club said: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, 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."
Local councillor Danny Fletcher posted on social media: "Extending my heartfelt condolences following the tragic passing of Debra, beloved wife of Ashton Town FC Chairman, Chris Wright.
"What an amazing family, done so much for our community. My thoughts are with Chris, his family and everyone at Ashton Town FC.
"Anything that Wigan Council can do to help, they will be there."
A number of local clubs paid tribute to Ms Haines and offered their condolences.
Local rivals Ashton Athletic wrote: "We are deeply saddened to hear the devastating news of the passing of Debra Wright at Ashton Town.
"Everyone at Ashton Athletic sends their heartfelt condolences to Chris, his family, and all at Ashton Town. Our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time."
Chorley FC added: "Everybody at Chorley sends their heartfelt condolences to all at Ashton Town. Our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time."
Local paper Sur in English reported that the Guardia Civil in Malaga said Ms Haines was a passenger on the jet ski, which was being driven by Mr Wright, when it collided with the motorboat.
The driver of the motorboat was arrested at the scene on suspicion of manslaughter and being in charge of a boat while under the influence of alcohol, but has since been released under investigation.

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