By A lifelong love story has reached a tragic conclusion in the Maldives after a British couple, visiting the islands for the 60th time, passed away within 48 hours of each other.
Elaine Richmond, 70, and Malcolm John Richmond, 71, were legendary guests at the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, a resort they had visited annually for decades. The couple’s final holiday took a tragic turn on December 19 when Elaine passed away during a dive at the resort’s house reef.
The loss proved too much for Malcolm; just two days later, while waiting at the airport to return to the UK, he suffered a medical emergency. He passed away at ADK Hospital shortly after. Authorities confirmed no foul play was involved, describing the events as a heartbreaking double tragedy. A joint funeral for the couple, who had no children, is set for January 29 in the United Kingdom.