The British father and his two children who drowned in a swimming pool at a resort in the Costa del Sol couldn’t swim, it has been reported.
Gabriel Diya, 52, his daughter Comfort Diya, 9, and his son Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, are understood to have died in the triple tragedy on Christmas Eve.
Mr Diya’s Facebook account lists him as a manager of Open Heavens London, a Christian religious group with origins in Nigeria, based in Charlton, south-east London.
It is understood Mr Diya and his daughter are both British, while his son is American.
The three family members were found unresponsive in a pool at Club La Costa World on Christmas Eve, after girl struggled in the water and her brother and father reportedly tried to rescue her.
Another daughter, who was unharmed, reportedly told Spanish daily paper El Pais that none of the three were able to swim.
Local reports said Spanish police were investigating the pump and suction system for a possible failure, but inquiries have found “no concerns relating to the pool in question”, said operator CLC World Resorts and Hotels.
In a statement it said: “The Guardia Civil have carried out a full investigation which found no concerns relating to the pool in question or procedures in place, which leaves us to believe this was a tragic accident which has left everyone surrounding the incident in shock.
“Naturally, our primary concern remains the care and support of the remaining family members; we would therefore request that their privacy be respected at this traumatic time.”
A neighbour of the Diya family said she was “really devastated” to learn of the deaths of Mr Diya and two of his children.
Speaking outside her home in Charlton, Lara Akins said: “I still can’t comprehend it, it’s still shocking.”
The 59-year-old described the family, who she said had lived in the south-east London close for around 10 years, as “very religious, very friendly, very humble”.
She added: “They are so nice, that is why everybody is shocked.”
She said she was still looking after Christmas presents dropped off by friends while the family were away.
“They know we are very friendly with each other,” she added.