A British couple died in the Maldives in December 2025—she from drowning, he from alcohol-related causes—both deaths under investigation with no foul play suspected.

A British couple, Elaine and Malcolm Richmond, died days apart during a holiday in the Maldives in December 2025. Elaine, 70, died on December 19 from drowning and asphyxiation after being swept away by a strong current during a scuba dive. Her husband, 71, died five days later on Christmas Eve from acute alcohol intoxication, multi-organ dysfunction, and cardiac arrest while waiting at the airport. The inquest confirmed both deaths, with no foul play suspected. Their bodies were repatriated to the UK and reported to the coroner on January 6, 2026. A full inquest is pending further inquiries with Maldivian authorities.