UK

Storm Babet: Woman who died after being swept into river at Glen Esk named as Wendy Taylor

Storm Babet: Woman who died after being swept into river at Glen Esk named as Wendy Taylor

A woman who died after being swept into a river during Storm Babet has been named as Wendy Taylor.

The 57-year-old’s body was recovered from the Water of Lee at Glen Esk in Scotland.

She had got into difficulty there on Thursday after heavy rain caused by the storm.

Her family said they were “absolutely heartbroken to lose Wendy in such tragic circumstances”.

“Wendy was a beautiful, kind, funny and caring person. She was a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her,” said a statement.

“Wendy was the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally, and Susanna and granny to India and George.”

Police Scotland attended the river at around 1.45pm on Thursday and her body was recovered at around 4pm.

The force said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Read more:
Why Storm Babet brought so much rain

Mrs Taylor is one of four people confirmed to have died as a result of Storm Babet, which brought immense rain and devastating flooding across parts of the UK.

Among the other victims is 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert, whose home in Chesterfield was flooded.

Her son told Sky News how he found her body floating in the water at the property.

Elsewhere, a search continues in Aberdeenshire after a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater.

While the rain has mostly subsided, the Environment Agency has warned major rivers in affected areas, including Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, could be flooded until Tuesday.

Two severe flood warnings are in place around the River Idle, near Retford, meaning risk of death or serious injury.

Train services in parts of Scotland, Yorkshire, and East Anglia also remain disrupted.