Redeemed pastor, two children drown in Spain

Diya, 52, a pastor with Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), his daughter, Comfort and son, Praise-Emmanuel, died in the swimming pool of Club La Costa World Holiday Resort on Christmas eve.

They died in the presence of Olubunmi, the pastor’s wife and another of their children, Favour.

Diya was the pastor of the Open Heavens Parish of RCCG in Charlton, South-East London, United Kingdom.

According to reports, Comfort, 9, struggled in the water while swimming prompting her father and her brother to jump in to rescue her but unfortunately the trio got drowned.

Reports say Olubunmi is contemplating suing the Spanish hotel, saying there was “something wrong with the pool” and that was why it was difficult for her husband and children to swim.

“I believe something was wrong with the pool that must have made swimming difficult for them at that point in time,” she said in a statement.

“The whole family, all five of us went to the pool together and were all present when the incident occurred.”

“The children were not left unattended. We followed the instructions displayed by the poolside at all times.

“The children went into the pool using the steps but found themselves dragged into the middle, which was deeper and called for help when they could not get out.

“My daughter did not fall into the water. My husband went in via the steps trying to help the two struggling while I ran to the nearby apartments shouting for help to assist my husband.

“By the time assistance came, the three of them were under the water.”

“Our family are utterly heartbroken by the events last Tuesday, but we are comforted and strengthened by our strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

“We are deeply shocked, saddened and struggling to come to terms with their passing.

“They all brought a joy and love to the world and to everyone that crossed their path. We love them all dearly, will always remember them in our hearts and miss them greatly.”

However, the management of the resort, CLC World Resort and Hotels, said “diligent and exhaustive” investigations confirmed that the pool was working normally and that there was no malfunctioning of any kind.

The RCCG has reacted to the death its pastor.

A statement by Pastor Agu Irukwu, Chairman, Board of Trustees and Executive Council, RCCG, United Kingdom, said:

“The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the United Kingdom (UK) is deeply saddened at the deaths of one of our pastors, Gabriel Diya (aged 52), and two of his children, nine-year-old daughter, Comfort, and 16-year-old son, Praise-Emmanuel in tragic circumstances, on 24^th December 2019, while on a family holiday at the CLC Resorts and Hotels in Costa del sol, Spain.

“On behalf of the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, his wife, Folu Adeboye, the board of trustees, leadership and members of RCCG in the UK, we extend our heartfelt condolence to Pastor Gabriel’s wife, Olubunmi Diya and 14-year-old daughter, Favour, who were present at the time of the incident. The church is extending care and support to them at this difficult period.

“We pray the Lord’s comfort and peace upon them.

“Until his death, Pastor Gabriel pastored the Open Heavens Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Charlton, South-East London. He was a loving husband and devoted father. He was also a humble, friendly and committed pastor and Christian leader.

“The church said funeral arrangement would be announced soon.”