In a tragic incident that has deeply affected the Birmingham community and beyond, two young siblings, Ameiya and Ricardo Junior Parris, aged 13 and 11, respectively, drowned while swimming at Llarga Beach in Salou, Spain. The siblings, who were reportedly enjoying a family holiday, were caught in strong currents, which ultimately led to their untimely demise on Tuesday evening. Their father, Ricardo Parris, attempted to rescue them but found himself in a perilous situation and had to be rescued by emergency services.
Ameiya and Ricardo Junior’s rescue efforts were initiated after hotel staff observed the frantic struggle of the family in the water and promptly notified emergency responders. Upon reaching the scene, authorities managed to pull the father out of the water, albeit he was unconscious. Fortunately, after receiving medical attention, he was later discharged from the hospital, albeit with a concussion. Meanwhile, the siblings could not be revived, prompting an outpouring of grief from their family, friends, and community.
The siblings were described by family members as “bright and deeply loved,” with their aunt, Kayla Jasvinder Del-Brocco, expressing the family’s anguish over the loss. In the midst of their sorrow, Del-Brocco shared that the parents are trying their best to maintain a façade of strength for their family, especially for their other four younger children, who are now grappling with the devastating news of their siblings’ passing. The heartbreaking situation has left the family in sheer shock, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of their loss.
A GoFundMe page was set up by a cousin, Holly Marquis-Johnson, to assist the bereaved family with the costs associated with repatriating the children’s bodies back to the UK. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with contributions surpassing £30,000 within days, indicating the affection and support the siblings’ family has garnered. The campaign highlighted the family’s heartbreak, articulating that no parent is ever truly prepared to lose two children at once. The poignant tribute characterized Ameiya, affectionately known as Maya, as intelligent and strong, while Ricardo Junior was celebrated for his playful spirit and joyful demeanor.
Local MP Paulette Hamilton also expressed her sorrow regarding the incident, emphasizing that the loss was palpable across the Erdington constituency. She conveyed her condolences to the family, offering them support during this unimaginable time, and reiterated that the entire community mourns this tragic loss. Statements from Spanish authorities indicated that by the time emergency services received the distress call around 21:00 CEST, the lifeguards had already completed their shifts for the day. José Luis Gargallo, the police chief, mentioned that a thorough review would be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This harrowing incident has not only left a family shattered but has also sparked a conversation about beach safety and the need for constant vigilance, especially concerning children swimming in challenging conditions. As the Parris family navigates this dark chapter in their lives, the broader community continues to rally around them, reflecting the profound impact that the lives of Ameiya and Ricardo Junior had on those around them.
The siblings, whose lives were just beginning to unfold, are remembered for their love, laughter, and the vibrant energy they brought to their families and friends, underscoring the sentiment that their absence has created an “unbearable silence” for their grieving family.
