Tributes have been paid to a “much-loved” Balloch restaurant worker after she was killed in a tragic accident in Spain.
Marie Riley, who worked at Balloch House Hotel, died after an incident in Benidorm on Monday last week.
The 37-year-old’s wife Lynne Riley announced the news to friends and family on social media the next day, prompting an outpouring of responses from loved ones.
The couple, who had been married for four years, had travelled with friends to the Spanish town.
The Balloch Road venue paid tribute to Marie in a social media post, commenting: “It is with great sadness that we would like to share that our beloved Marie passed away on Monday night – in a tragic accident when on holiday.
“Marie was a much loved and important part of our team at Balloch House and to say we are shocked is an understatement.
“On a personal level she was a fantastic friend to many and a great support to me throughout our years here. Di, Ryan and the team.”
Shocked customers replied telling of their shock at the news, describing her as “welcoming” and “always smiling and chatting away”.
Stephanie Peach said: “This is heartbreaking news. She made myself and my partner so welcome that the Balloch Inn became a local for us, I would love to come in and get her chat.
“She was so friendly and kind. My sincere condolences to her wife and family. I just can’t believe it.”
Allan Rice said: “Like so many people who have commented, myself and my wife are shocked to hear this awful news.
“Marie was always lovely to us, taking time to chat and have a laugh, even passing on her staff discount when she learned we were out to celebrate our engagement.
“She was very recently married herself, she said, and full of the joys of wedded life.
“She’ll be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved her best.”
And Maureen Aitken posted: “This is so unbelievably sad news! Marie was so friendly and we remember her fondly. It was my husband’s birthday during Covid and we had a cake. We were not allowed candles or allowed to sing, so we whispered the happy birthday song to him with Marie holding the cake.
“She was full of banter and patter and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. So tragic, God bless her family and friends xxx.”
Suzy Breck posted: “So sad to hear this, she was always smiling and chatting away when we where in. Thinking of her wife, family and all the team at Balloch House.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said: “We are assisting the family of a British woman following an incident in Benidorm and are in contact with the Spanish authorities.”
