Family of Filipino honeymooners seek help to bring bodies home

High school sweethearts, Leomer and Erika Joyce Lagradilla had been together for ten years before they decided to take their relationship to the next level. With high hopes and dreams of a blissful marriage, the Filipino couple tied the knot surrounded by friends and family as 2018 drew to a close, promising to spend the rest of their lives with each other.

Little did they know that death would part them sooner then they expected.

The couple traveled to earthly paradise, Maldives, for their honeymoon a few weeks after their wedding in December. Visiting the island destination had been their dream for a long time, and the euphoria of a wedding and finally being able to tick off their dream destination off their bucket list had the young couple elated.

However, tragedy struck them during their once in a lifetime honeymoon in the Maldives.

The couple were staying at a cozy guest house in Dhiffushi island, caught up in wedded bliss, exploring the nooks and crannies the beautiful tropical island had to offer. On one such adventure, the newly-wedded couple went snorkeling just off the coast of Dhiffushi island.

It is assumed that they were not accompanied by a guide, and drowned in the Maldivian waters during their expedition. It is believed that Lomear was the first to face struggles in the water, while his distraught wife sought help. However, both partners met with their demise before help could reach them, tragically closing the first and final chapter of their new life abruptly.

The devastated family of the couple have been unable to obtain details surrounding their death, although they were informed of the drowning by the Foreign Ministry of Philippines. Their world came crashing down with the news; much like the ferocious tides that had swept away their beloved loved ones, along with their dreams for the happy couple. Just a few weeks after seeing off the new family as they left on their honeymoon, today, the family is making a public plea for assistance in funding to fly the lifeless bodies of the couple back home; to bid them a final and permanent good-bye.

A GoGetFunding page has been set up for those who would like to help.