Tributes to teenagers who died on holiday

THE FAMILY of two British teenagers who diedin a parasailing accident while on holiday in Greece have paid tribute to their “beautiful” and “talented” children.

Cousins Jessica Hayes, 15, and Michael Connelly, 13, died on the Greek island of Rhodes on Wednesday when the rope holding their parasailing canopy snapped.

Michael’s 15- year- old brother, James Connelly, who was with them, is in a critical condition in hospital.

Michael’s parents paid tribute to the teenagers, who were from Corby in Northamptonshire. The Connelly family said: “Mikey was the most talented gentleman with charisma in spades.

“He never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always a popular kid at school and at his drama class. His target of winning two Oscars before he was 18 has tragically been snatched away from him, and his family and friends will never recover from his passing. The world is a much poorer place for Mikey not being in it.

“He has left with his beautiful cousin Jessica, who was adored by all who knew her – the brightest of bright stars with the world at her feet.

“She could have been anything she wanted, as smart as she was.”

The family asked people to pray for their son James, who they said is on life support. Jessica’s family said she “loved to bake and cook”, and enjoyed camping, having completed her Duke of Edinburgh award.

The three teenagers were found on rocks near Lindos. The Greek coastguard said two people connected with the speedboat have been arrested.