A tragic incident unfolded in July 2023 when Emma Slack, a 54-year-old mother from Mold, North Wales, drowned during a family holiday in Corfu, Greece. She was swimming with her young son when powerful waves swept them both away, leading to a heartbreaking sequence of events that culminated in her accidental death.
Details of the Incident
During the swim, Mrs. Slack reportedly “lost her footing” as she struggled against the powerful waves. Her husband, Rob Slack, attempted to rescue her but soon found himself in distress as well. Tragically, Emma was “pulled by the undercurrent” toward nearby rocks. A recent inquest revealed that Mrs. Slack was a “competent swimmer” who would not have knowingly put herself or her son in danger.
The inquest, led by Senior Coroner John Gittins, concluded that this incident was a “simply a tragic accident.” He noted that Emma and her family had traveled to Greece for a much-anticipated holiday. The coroner’s findings highlighted the intense wave activity reported by Greek authorities at the time of the incident.
During the hearing, Mr. Slack expressed concerns regarding the lack of warning signs and the absence of lifeguards in the area. He believed that the beach should have been closed off due to the adverse conditions. Although other tourists were present in the water at the same time, enjoying the waves without incident, the coroner acknowledged the potential risks involved.
Community Reaction and Tributes
Following Mrs. Slack’s tragic passing, tributes poured in on social media, highlighting her qualities as a devoted mother, cherished daughter, and kind friend. One tribute described her as “one of the most beautiful kind souls,” while another friend expressed devastation, stating, “Rest in peace beautiful friend. I will miss you terribly.”
Mr. Gittins extended his condolences to Mr. Slack during the inquest, recognizing the profound difficulties the family has faced since Emma’s death, particularly as the holiday season approached. He reiterated that Mrs. Slack had not taken undue risks during the swim and reaffirmed that her death was accidental.
The inquest serves as an important inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Slack’s death, aiming to provide clarity on how, when, and where she died, thus allowing for proper registration of her death.
