Upset neighbours describe couple who died as 'helpful, fun'

A woman and her husband who were found dead in their home today were this afternoon described as a helpful, fun couple.

Police confirmed the couple were pronounced dead this afternoon after officers arrived on the scene at 2:25pm.

Acting Superintendent Nicholas Pedro wouldn’t confirm how the couple died.

"Police responded to a report at 32 Wellington Slip Road. On arrival, they found a male and female, 48- and 49-years-old, found to be deceased.

"I can confirm that they are a married couple and they suffered from injuries that caused their death."

Mr Pedro said police are investigating the matter.

Mr Pedro said the police could not divulge how the couple died. "We don't typically comment on that. A forensic pathologist will fly in and will conduct an autopsy."

A close friend of the deceased woman said: “She was a friendly, outgoing person. She had a lot of friends.

“I had known her my whole life.”

A cousin of the wife and neighbour of the couple said: “She was everybody’s friend.

“If you need help from her, she was there. They both were like that.

“This is unbelievable.”

The cousin continued: ‘They were always entertaining. Their house was the open house for last year Cup Match.

“I live right next to her so I was always going back and forth. There’s nothing bad you can say about them.

“It’s just everybody had troubles. That’s why it’s such a shock.”

Uniformed officers stood guard in front of caution tape at the beginning of a small road heading to the house. Plain clothed officers were also on the scene going back and forth to the house and back out to the main road.

A coroners van was seen outside the house as well with forensic officers dressed from head to toe in white also on the scene.

Family members were seen coming from the house. Only police officers and family members were allowed to go beyond the caution tape.

At one point, officers were not allowing any traffic through Wellington Slip and were diverting traffic through the St George’s Cricket Club.

Statement by Acting Governor Ginny Ferson

“I am saddened to hear of the tragic events which took place in St Georges today. It would not be right for me to speculate on the causes or go into the details of the deaths but experts from the Bermuda Police Service are working to establish the circumstances. Our thoughts are with relatives and friends and all those affected by this incident.”

Statement by Premier Craig Cannonier

 “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the recent tragedy that took place in St. George’s today.   This hits close to home as this tragic event occurred in my neighbourhood.  

"I know that the Bermuda Police Service is working diligently to establish the facts of what transpired.   I know all of Bermuda will join me in offering our support and prayers to the family members and friends of the deceased at this extremely difficult time.”

Statement by Nandi Outerbridge

"I was stunned and saddened to learn of this tragedy this afternoon. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families and my thoughts and prayers go out to them during this extremely difficult time."

Statement by Michael Dunkley

“A terrible tragedy,” said Minister of National Security the Hon. Michael H. Dunkley on learning of the news of the discovery of two bodies in St. George’s earlier today. 

“St. George’s is a close-knit community and so I know that this loss will be felt by the residents of the area in particular. At this stage in the investigation I wish to assure the community that I am confident that the Police will do their jobs sensitively and professionally. Let us keep the family of this couple in our thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with these tragic events.” 

Statement by Shadow Minister National Security Michael Scott

"On behalf of my colleagues in the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, I would like to extend condolences to the families of the couple who deceased today at their Wellington Slip Road residence.  I offer my thoughts and prayers to the community of Wellington St Georges as St Georgians come to terms with this serious and tragic incident in their midst.

"I would also like to thank the Bermuda Police Service for assisting with the investigation and with the families during this tragic time."