The tragic drowning of two siblings during a holiday in Spain has left their family devastated as they recount the heartbreaking details surrounding the incident.
Last week, a heartbreaking tragedy struck in Salou, Spain, where siblings Ameiya and Ricardo Del Brocco, aged just 13 and 11, drowned while enjoying what was meant to be a fun day at the beach. The family was on their first major holiday abroad, soaking up the sun at the Hotel Best Necresgo near Llarga Beach.
What started as a joyful outing took a devastating turn when the children asked for one last swim, leading to a series of unforeseen events.
Details of the Incident
The Del Brocco family, who were on vacation with five siblings in tow, seemed to be having a great time until disaster struck.
Reports indicate that Ameiya and Ricardo asked their parents, Shanice and Ricardo Snr, if they could take one final dip in the ocean. While Ricardo Snr was keeping an eye on them, Shanice had briefly stepped away to care for another child.
It was during this fleeting moment that everything changed.
Eyewitnesses recount how Ricardo Snr rushed into the choppy waters when he saw his children struggling. Emergency crews were quickly dispatched, but tragically, neither Ameiya nor Ricardo Jnr could be saved. The pain felt by their parents and the entire family was palpable as they confronted the unimaginable loss of two precious children.
Macalia Del Brocco, a family member, shared an emotional recollection of the moments following the incident. “When Shanice returned, she couldn’t see them,” she said, conveying the sheer terror that gripped them. “Panic set in, and that’s when the police arrived.” The realization hit hard as the family grappled with the gravity of the situation, losing both children to the unforgiving sea.
Community Support and Tributes
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the local community has come together to support the Del Brocco family. A GoFundMe page was launched to help repatriate the children’s bodies back to the UK and provide financial assistance to the grieving family. As of now, they’ve raised over £18,000, reflecting the compassion and solidarity of those around them.
Family members described Ricardo as a gentle soul with dreams of becoming a YouTuber, while Ameiya was celebrated for her vibrant spirit and passion for athletics and fashion. Macalia affectionately referred to her niece as a “unique character” who often took on a nurturing role with her younger siblings.
In a poignant moment, six-year-old Casius, one of the siblings, expressed his innocent understanding of the tragedy to Macalia by saying, “Juby went to heaven in a helicopter.” This bittersweet interpretation sheds light on the child’s way of processing the loss, adding a layer of heartache to the family’s grief.
Ongoing Impact and Reflections
As the family navigates this immense loss, they’re also dealing with the psychological toll of such a traumatic experience. Ricardo Snr, who was in the water with the children, is facing profound emotional pain. Macalia emphasized the critical role of family support during this harrowing time, stating, “Families pull together, and there will be support all the way around.”
She also reflected on the close bond the siblings shared, noting that despite their occasional squabbles, their love for one another was undeniable. “They would fight like cat and dog at times, but they adored each other,” she reminisced, capturing the essence of their dynamic.
This tragedy has not only created a void in the Del Brocco family but has also sparked important conversations about water safety and the necessity of vigilant supervision, especially in turbulent waters. As the community continues to mourn the loss of Ameiya and Ricardo, the Del Brocco family remains in their thoughts and prayers.
