A MOTHER-of-four has been killed in a road accident while riding in a rickshaw on the last day of a family holiday in Cuba.
Gillian Owens, aged 45, was returning from a trip to swim with dolphins with her husband Tony and 12-year-old daughter Georgia when their rickshaw was involved in a collision with a car.
Mrs Owens, who grew up in Archer Street, Leigh, is thought to have died shortly after the accident, which happened on Friday.
The family, who had recently moved to Winwick, near Warrington, where they run a successful musical equipment supplies business from home, had been enjoying a two-week break on the Caribbean island.
They spent their first week enjoying a music festival in Havana, followed by a week on the coast.
They had spent their final day swimming with dolphins and were returning to their five-star hotel in a traditional rickshaw. Georgia suffered severe burns to her legs, feet and back and was flown back to England on the first available flight. She is now receiving specialist treatment at Booth Hall Children's Hospital and is being comforted around the clock by relatives.
Mr Owens, aged 55, suffered severe facial injuries and was in a coma. He has since regained consciousness and was due to be flown to Fazackerley Hospital, Liverpool, by air ambulance today, where he will be treated for his injuries.
Today Mrs Owens' family paid tribute to a loving mother and wonderful person.
Her elder brother David Waterworth said: "We are devastated. It is just beyond words.
"Gillian was a fantastic person, generous to a fault with her friends and family. She had a great sense of humour and was full of life. She was a caring mother who would, and did, do anything for her children."
Her sister Catherine McCulloch added: "Gillian's main interest was her family. She was much-loved and popular with all who knew her. She will be greatly missed."
Mrs Owens' family have struggled to obtain full details of the accident from the Cuban authorities, but hope to find out more from Mrs Owens' son Leon, who flew out to Cuba and brought his mother's body home. A post mortem examination was held yesterday.
Mr Waterworth said: "The biggest frustration at the moment is finding out information and a lot more questions need to be asked. We just need to know the full facts of how this has happened."
Younger brother John Waterworth said: "Georgia's bravery throughout this whole ordeal has kept the family strong. She is an inspiration."
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