Brother's Tribute To Pair Killed In Maldives

The twin brother of a man killled along with his new wife in an accident in the Maldives has described the couple as "soulmates".

Jonathan and Emma Gray died when the quad bike they were passengers on hit a tree, just a few days into their honeymoon at the Kuredu Island Resort.

The couple, both aged 25 and from Halifax in West Yorkshire, have a baby boy who did not go with them on the trip.

The orphaned child, named Jake, was being looked after by one of his grandparents.

Speaking to the Halifax Courier, Michael Gray said both families were struggling to come to terms with the couple's death.

"We're just devastated - absolutely on our knees. We're in shock and all pulling together as one big family.

"They were the perfect couple. They were soulmates and their little boy was so special to them. Jake's with us at the moment, with family."

Mrs Gray's brother, who did not give his name, described them as a "wonderful couple".

He added: "It is all too raw at the moment."

The couple knew each other as youngsters when they were neighbours, before meeting up again as adults and falling in love.

They married in Ripponden and held their reception at Halifax's Holdsworth House.

Mr Gray had been a manager at a kitchen design firm, while Mrs Gray was a teacher at Holy Trinity Primary School.

A special service for the couple has been held at Holy Trinity and St Jude's Church.

Rev Martin Russell, a governor at the school, also paid tribute to them.

He said: "She was a very popular teacher at our school, a very genuine person and very enthusiastic.

"When the children heard she was getting married it was big news at the school. When we heard the news about her tragic death everybody was absolutely devastated."

Floral tributes have been left at the family home along with teddy bears and an empty bottle of champagne.

"They were both high flyers, both doing well in their careers," added Michael Gray.

"They had such a great future ahead of them. They'll be greatly missed."

A third person was injured in the crash which is being investigated by the Maldives Police Service .