Tragedy hits Island Games (update)

UPDATE: Two Faroe Islands badminton officials have been killed in a car accident on their way home from the Bermuda Island Games.

Hogni Carlsson and Vilhjalmur Gregoriussen were travelling in a hire taxi after the team had landed back in Faroe via private charter. The driver of the taxi was also killed.

Carlsson was father to Brynhild Djurhuus Carlsson and Rannya Diurhuus Carlsson, who both competed in badminton at the Games and helped their island to bronze in the team event. Rannva also won gold in the mixed doubles and silver in the women’s doubles with her sister. Gregoriussen was the chairman of the Faroese Badminton Association.

Mogens Eriksen, of Faroese Badminton, said: “I don't know how to express myself in English, with words that can describe the sorrow we all are in. Our thoughts go to the family members who are left behind.”

Tracey Beach, a committee member at the Bermuda Badminton Association and a scorer at the Games, got to know both men well during their time here.

She told the Bermuda Sun: "It’s heartbreaking. I can’t believe it. The last time we spoke with them was at the closing ceremony and we all came together. They were just so happy to be here and they had such a good time – it’s just heartbreaking.

"I knew Hogni Carlsson was extremely proud of both his daughters  and they both went home with medals, and he was so proud to be with them and supporting them while they were playing.

"Vilhjalmur was joking around saying that he wanted us to organize the social events when they host the Games in 2019 — because he thought we did it so well!"

She added: "They both really, really enjoyed being here and the social side. They were a very small team but did very well and were very competitive – I can't imagine what they are all going through."

Jon Beard, chairman of the NatWest Island Games 2013, said in a statement: “I have sent the condolences of the Bermuda Island Games Association (and all of the member sports), and of the Bermuda community for their tragic loss.

“We are humbled by the fact that they spent their last days with us in Bermuda, and left here having had such a wonderful time. We hope that this is of some solace to their families at this awful time.”