Costa del Sol Breaking News: Family who tragically died at Costa del Sol resort named

THE father who tragically lost his life alongside his two children in a swimming pool at a resort on Costa del Sol’s Fuengirola have been revealed.

The father has been named as 52-year-old Gabriel Diya and his children Praise Emmanuel, 16, and Comfort, aged 9.

The trio were found unresponsive in the pool at Club La Costa World on December 24, sparking an outpouring of concern in the local community.

Gabriel Diya is named online as the manager of Open Heavens Church in Charlton in south east London. A fellow pastor and friend posted a tribute to the loving father on Facebook which read:

“It’s devastating that a dear friend, brother and the Senior Pastor of RCCG Open Heavens Charlton, London drowned on Christmas Eve with his two children in Costa Del Sol resort pool in Spain.”

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Gabriel Diya, 52, with his 9-year-old daughter Comfort. Credit: Facebook

Gabriel leaves behind his wife Olubunmi and his daughter Favour, both of whom were at the resort at the time of the tragedy. It is understood Mr Diya and his daughter were both British, while his son was American.

Whilst the exact nature of their deaths is not yet clear, it is thought that Comfort was struggling in the water, which prompted her father and brother to try and save her.

In the wake of the deaths, local reports circulated that Spanish police were investigating the pump and suction system for a possible failure, but in a statement released by the resort yesterday, they said there were “no concerns relating to the pool in question”. It read:

“The Guardia Civil have carried out a full investigation which found no concerns relating to the pool in question or procedures in place, which leaves us to believe this was a tragic accident which has left everyone surrounding the incident in shock. 

“Naturally, our primary concern remains the care and support of the remaining family members; we would therefore request that their privacy be respected at this traumatic time.”

As Euro Weekly News understands, earlier today (December 26), police divers recovered Comfort’s swimming cap from the pool’s pump system.

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Gabriel Diya sadly lost his life alongside his two children on Christmas Eve. Credit: Facebook.
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Written by

Isha Sesay

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