Holiday rep dies in pool tragedy

A holiday rep collapsed and died in the Canary Islands as she scored the winning goal in a water polo match.

Amy Russell - dubbed the 'Sunshine Girl' by her family and friends - slumped as she slammed a ball in the back of the net in a hotel swimming pool.

After the 20-year-old's body was flown home, parents Avril and John said yesterday they hoped an inquest would reveal why she died.

Spanish authorities launched an investigation but failed to establish the cause of her death in Fuerteventura.

'We are just numb about what has happened. Words cannot describe what we are feeling,' said Mrs Russell, 42.

'It was totally unexpected. She wasn't ill, she loved her job and she was doing everything

normally. She was playing in a regular water polo match between staff and guests they put on every Friday.

'One minute she was playing, throwing the ball, and the next she was lying still in the water.'

Her employer, tour operator Thomas Cook, flew her parents to the island the day after her death, on October 15.

'We spoke to a pathologist while we were out there and they told us that, in cases like this with such a young woman, sometimes you may never know the cause,' said Mrs Russell, of Oldham. ' She scored the winning goal as well but she never found out.'

She added: 'We used to call her our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and people at the resort used to say she was the Sunshine Girl.'

Miss Russell's boyfriend, Alex, was 'devastated' and plans to have a ring specially made to remember her by.

'She was planning a pink 21st birthday party in January,' Mrs Russell added. 'Now she will be having a pink funeral instead.'

Mr Russell, 43, said a tribute show staged by the other reps was 'incredibly uplifting and moving'. He added: 'She was a perfect daughter and a good friend to many people.'

Pete Constanti, of Thomas Cook, said: 'Our hearts go out to her family and friends.'