Tributes have poured in for 45-year-old woman who was found dead after being swept away by the swollen Turvilla river in Malaga on Wednesday.
Carolina Casado, aka Carol, jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue one of her two dogs but was dragged away by the strong current caused by torrential rain in Sayalonga.
Rescue teams found her body at around 1pm on Friday, approximately 1,000 metres from where she disappeared.
Pictures shared online show the beaming yoga teacher next to her beloved water dog in happier times.
One tribute read: ‘With a heavy heart, I want to share the story of Carolina Casado, a brave woman who left us far too soon.
‘Her act of love and courage has touched everyone. Carolina jumped into the water to save her drowning dog, without a moment’s hesitation.
‘Her unconditional love and generous heart cost her her life, but they have left us a legacy of courage and love…
‘Carolina, you are a hero, and your memory will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Carolina. Your courage and love will always be remembered.’
Sayalonga town hall has declared two days of mourning over Saturday and Sunday.
It said in a statement: ‘The Sayalonga Town Council has declared two days of official mourning this afternoon following the tragic death of our neighbour, Carolina Casado Gonzalez.
‘This is a sign of condolence and solidarity from the Council and the residents of Sayalonga and Corumbela with the family and friends of the victim.
From midnight on Saturday, February 7, until 11.59pm on Sunday, February 8, flags on municipal buildings will fly at half-mast as a sign of the profound sorrow caused by this tragic event.
‘We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed their efforts to the search operation for Carolina.’
Her partner, who was with her at the time of the tragedy, raised the alarm after seeing her fall into the water near the old washhouse bridge, around one kilometre from the village centre.
More than 50 personnel from the Guardia Civil, firefighters, local police, Civil Protection and volunteers searched a seven-kilometre stretch of river, from Sayalonga towards Algarrobo, close to where the river reaches the sea.
Ground teams had been working continuously along the riverbanks since Wednesday night.
Specialist underwater and mountain rescue units were forced to withdraw from the water after dark due to the dangerous conditions, with the river carrying heavy debris, strong currents and agricultural waste, but the search resumed on Friday morning.
A helicopter and drone unit were deployed on Thursday morning but later suspended because of worsening weather, with the area placed under an orange weather alert for rain and wind.
The dog involved – a water dog – was found alive.
Carol, originally from Torremolinos, had lived in Sayalonga for over a decade and worked as a yoga teacher. Friends and neighbours describe her as well known and active in the local community.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
