Friends pay tributes to siblings caught in Cornish flash floods

TRIBUTES are continuing to be paid to the brother and sister who lost their lives in flash floods in Cornwall.

Ryan Martel, 26 and Frankie Chapell, 17, were in an off-duty taxi, driven by Mr Martel, that was swept into a river after the lane they were travelling on collapsed.

Only one of the four passengers survived by kicking open the front passenger door. The body of Mr Martel was found on a nearby beach, but Miss Chapell has yet to be found.

Amy Cresswell, 18, who was at St Andrew's School with Miss Chapell, described her as a one of a kind.

'She was so full of life, outgoing, bubbly, loving,' said Miss Cresswell. 'She brought everyone out of their shell at St Andrew's when she joined and as there were only 18 of us in the year I believe she brought us all closer. No one can believe what has happened. It has shocked everyone and I know everyone's thoughts are with Sally and Ted and the rest of the family.'

Rob Curgenven had been friends with Ryan Martel, known as Chapell or Chaps to his friends, since they were at school together at Les Beaucamps.

Mr Martel left the island around six years ago and moved to Cornwall. He did not visit the island often, but Mr Curgenven spent some time with him on his last visit.

'He loved his cars and bikes,' said Mr Curgenven. 'He loved driving, socialising with his mates and was interested in a wide variety of stuff. He got very into his degree and owned a small, successful taxi company that took advantage of the lack of taxis on the campus of his university.'