British couple killed in Spanish wildfire pictured as devastated daughter pays tribute | World | News
A British couple who died in the horrifying wildfires in southern Spain have been named and pictured for the first time, with their heartbroken daughter paying tribute to them. Pete and Fran Gillam were among 13 victims killed in the fire that tore through Almeria.
The raging blaze advanced toward their home in Bedar, Almeria province. The couple disappeared on Thursday, with their final communication being a text message to their daughter, Danielle Gillam-Kirton, at approximately 7pm. Fran alerted her daughter that she and her husband were evacuating, but their communication abruptly ended and further calls went unanswered.
Police later confirmed the couple died in the horror blaze.
Their daughters Danielle Gillam-Kirton and Natalie Gillam Lindsay have now issued a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook.
“Natalie Gillam Lindsay and I are heartbroken to share that we have received confirmation from the police that Mum and Dad did not survive the fire,” she wrote.
“We are still trying to come to terms with this devastating news and ask for some privacy and time as we process everything.
“Thank you for all your love, support, and prayers over the past few days. They have meant more to us than we can ever express.
“We will share further details when we are able.”
The wildfires that ripped through southeastern Spain were caused by heatwaves that reached around 40C. The extreme weather, combined with dry ground and strong winds, quickly spread blazes through Los Gallardos.
Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists, who are thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.
Pete and Fran Gillam are the first victims to be identified. Police also suspect a British woman and her Spanish husband, as well as nationals from the US, France and Belgium, were killed.
Four bodies recovered from a burnt-out car are believed to belong to British victims. It follows news on Sunday that two British hikers were found alive but badly burned.
