Tragic couple both drowned 'after wife jumped into river to try and save husband'

Tributes have been paid to a loving couple who drowned in a tragic boating accident on holiday.

Alexandra Malkin-Dunne, originally from Stoke-On-Trent, was in Ireland with husband Frank when their bodies were discovered in a river.

It is believed Frank may have fallen in first and
Alexandra went in to try and rescue him.

Alexandra, 34, grew up in Newcastle and attended St Joseph's College from 1994 to 2001 before moving to Manchester Metropolitan University.

Now staff and former pupils at the Trent Vale school have led tributes to Alexandra who worked in Spain and Germany after leaving the area.

Music teacher Craig Gilligan told the Stoke Sentinel: "The school remembers Alexandra fondly. We also extend our sympathy to her friends and family."

Former pupil Phil Bowers, aged 35, of Newcastle, who was in Alexandra's year at school, said: "She had a bright, independent personality and will be sadly missed."

Police are today carrying out a post-mortem examination following Friday's double death. They are treating the two deaths as accidental.

Carrick-on-Shannon is a popular stopping point for people cruising the River Shannon.

A Garda spokesman said: “The bodies of a man and woman were taken from the River Shannon on March 31.

“The couple in their 30s were reported missing earlier that morning. The couple, who lived in Germany, had earlier in the week hired a cruiser on the river. The body of the man was located in the river close to the hired cruiser at 2pm and the woman's body was later recovered.

"The bodies were taken to a hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out. At this stage the deaths are being treated as accidental."

The couple had earlier dined at a nearby restaurant.

In a Facebook message, the restaurant staff stated: "Our hearts go out to their family and friends. A black day in Carrick-on-Shannon which is still in shock. Alexandra Malkin-Dunne and Frank Dunne. RIP."
Source; Mirror.co.uk