THE COOPER FAMILY IS “DEVASTATED”

PALMA
BRITISH holidaymaker Ian Cooper said yesterday that the death of his wife Sara was “devastating news for me and my family.” The body of Sara Cooper was found in the sea off Calas de Mallorca, where the family was on holiday, on Wednesday afternoon. She had not been seen since their seven-year-old daughter fell from their fifth floor hotel room in the resort early on Monday morning.

Yesterday morning, Ian Cooper, was required to formerly identify his wife's body at the Forensic Institute in Palma and early yesterday afternoon he released an official statement via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. “I can confirm the terrible news that the body of my dear wife, Sara, was found yesterday (Wednesday) by the police. This is devastating news for me and my family and I would be grateful to the media if they would respect my family's privacy in order for us to concentrate on the recovery of my daughter who continues to make good progress and the well-being of my three sons. “I would like to thank all those who have helped and assisted me and my family through this terrible time; the hospital who are caring for my daughter, the police and also the team at the British Consulate in Majorca.” His seven-year-old daughter is recovering from serious injuries sustained in the fall at Son Dureta hospital. She remains in intensive care in a stable condition and the police are going to have to wait until she is mentally and physically able to speak to them and, they hope, describe to them the events leading up to her 15-metre fall at 7.30 am on Monday at the Hotel Samoa where the family, from Foxton in Cambridgeshire, had planned to spend the half term break.

The father and two of the little girl's three brothers were staying in one room while Sara and her daughter shared an adjacent bedroom.
The results of the autopsy carried out on Sara Cooper yesterday revealed that the cause of death was drowning and that there were no signs of violence.

The tragic story not only shocked Majorca, in particular fellow British tourists holidaying in the same hotel and resorts, but also neighbours and close friends where the Coopers live in Foxton.

The county council has offered the family its full support and assistance when they return.
Today, the group of British print, television and radio journalists which have been covering the headline news story since the start of the week is going to gradually start thinning out as they return to London.