Families of tragic Corby cousins speak of their ‘brightest of bright stars’

The family of two Corby teens killed in a terrible parasailing accident on the Greek island of Rhodes have spoken of their devastation at the loss of their children.

In heartbreaking images, published by the Northants Telegraph with the permission of their families tonight, the carefree teens can be seen happily enjoying their holiday in a beautiful hotel just outside Lindos in the days before the horrifying incident took place yesterday (Wednesday.)

Cousins Jessica Hayes, 15, and Michael Connelly, 13, known to his family as Mikey, died during the accident. Mikey’s brother James Connelly, 15, is in a critical condition in hospital.

Jessica was an Uppingham Community College pupil and the boys were Kingswood Secondary Academy students.


The boys’ dad, steelworker Phil Connelly and their mum Sharon, alongside Jessica’s devastated family, released a statement to the Northants Telegraph this evening.

The Connellys said: “Mikey was the most talented gentleman with charisma in spades.

“He never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always a popular kid at school and at his drama class.

“His target of winning two Oscars before he was 18 has tragically been snatched away from him and his family and friends will never recover from his passing.

”The world is a much poorer place for Mikey not being in it.

”He has left with his beautiful cousin Jessica whom was adored by all who knew her - the brightest of bright stars with the world at her feet.

“She could have been anything she wanted as smart as she was.

”Her loss leaves a hole in our family that will never be filled.

”The family now request our privacy as we need time to grieve.

”One family request is that you send your prayers for our boy James who is on life support.”

Jessica’s family also released a statement. It said: “Our beautiful little girl has been taken from us, and our hearts will never heal.

“In a place where we were to spend some quality time as a family, we have suffered the most devastating loss.


“Jessica, was a beautiful, bubbly young lady, who was extremely popular and loved by so many. Jess was always laughing with friends and loved a good giggle with her beautiful smile.

”She had her best years ahead of her, she could have achieved anything she wanted. She was so clever, and so artistic.

”She loved nothing more than doing her own acrylic nails, and those of her friends, as well as being amazing with make-up.

”Jess loved to bake and cook, and we will miss the lovely treats that she would leave around the house.

“Jess completed her Duke of Edinburgh, and loved nothing more than camping trips with family.


“We are devastated, and we really want our privacy and the privacy of family and friends to be respected during this time.

”We will not comment further on the details of the tragic incident, as this is now something which will be discussed in the courts. Please respect our time to mourn.”


The two close families had headed to the island for a break before Jessica and James were due to take their mock GCSEs next week. They can be seen revising by the pool in one of these photos.

The families are being supported by the British Consulate and Greek local authorities who have found them accommodation on the island.

Our reporters have been contacted by many people today making generous offers of help to the families. More information will be available on how you can help in the coming days.

- A man has been arrested and released in connection with the death of the children. An investigation is under way.