Wife of Soccer Team Chairman Identified as Woman Killed in Jet Ski Accident

NEED TO KNOW

• Debra Wright, the wife of Ashton Town FC’s chairman, has been identified as the woman killed in a jet ski accident in Spain on June 28

• Debra, who was 43 years old, was riding as a passenger on the jet ski when a speedboat struck her, killing her instantly

• The driver of the speedboat reportedly tested positive for alcohol after the collision

Ashton Town Football Club is mourning the loss of their chairman’s wife.

The British soccer team announced on Monday, June 30 that Debra Wright, the wife of chairman Chris Wright, tragically lost her life while vacationing in Spain on Saturday, June 28.

“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,” the club said in a statement shared on social media. “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,” the club concluded in its statement.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to multiple reports, including The Times, Debra, 43, was killed instantly after a speedboat, driven by a friend, struck her while she was a passenger on a jet ski near Playa de Los Toros in Malaga around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Guardia Civil police told The Times that local emergency services quickly tended to Debra, after responding “swiftly” to a call from bystanders following the incident.

Debra was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said the driver of the speedboat tested positive for alcohol and was detained on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. He was later released on bail, The Times and SUR in English reported.

Next, authorities will decide if charges will be pursued.

After Ashton Town FC announced Debra’s passing, tributes began pouring in for the wife of the chairman. “Heartbreaking,” said one user. “Known Debra for a number years and her smile was infectious and lit up the room wherever she went.”

Former Ashton Town player Tyler Magee said, “Always a smile on Debra’s face. So sorry to hear,” in a reply on X.

Read the original article on People