A family from Morden have been torn apart after a father and his infant daughter were killed after a freak wave swept the family into the sea.

The family of five were on holiday in Newquay, Cornwall, when a wave reported to be 10ft tall dragged father Rudy Bruynius, wife Lisinda Bruynius and their two-year-old daughter Mckayla off a rock in Fistral Beach at 5.20pm on Friday, August 19.

August 22: Tributes to Morden father of three Rudy Bruynius who died in Cornwall coast tragedy

Mrs Bruynius survived the tragedy, as did the couple’s two young sons who managed to remain on the rock.

Despite rescue efforts, Mr Bruynius, 33, died of his injuries in hospital the same day. Mckayla Bruynius, who was being cared for at Bristol Children’s Hospital, died on the evening of Tuesday, August 23.

In a statement released through Devon and Cornwall police, Mrs Bruynius said: “Rudy was a loving, caring and supportive husband, father and friend. He had a great sense of humour and was an active person.  He always put other people first.  Mckayla was a busy bee and always happy.

Wimbledon Times:

Rudy and Lisinda Bruynius. Picture: Facebook

“I am in disbelief at what has happened.  I am so shocked at how quickly the sea condition changed on that day whilst we were enjoying a family time together in Cornwall. I pray that others can learn from our tragedy as I do not wish for anybody to go through our grief.   

“I would like to thank the RNLI, the staff at Royal Cornwall Hospital, the staff from Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, the emergency services and all the members of public for their generous support and prayers they have given towards my family. 

“I would especially like to thank the people of Cornwall for their messages of love and offers of help. I will never forget the close community spirit displayed towards us.  Please respect our privacy at this really difficult time and allow my sons and I to try to come to terms with what has happened.”

A JustGiving fundraising page set up by family friend Terri-Anne Remant has so far raised more than £30,000 for the family.

Posting on the page on Sunday, August 21, Mrs Bruynius, wrote: “Lots of love and can’t thank each and every one of you for your love, support and prayers.

“Please continue to pray for my miracle baby… for her to pull through, as they can’t give me a certain indication of how much brain damage occurred during her time in the water.”

Mr Bruynius, who – like his wife – is originally from South Africa, ran his own gardening company ‘Greenology Gardens’ around Merton and the local area.

 The sister of Mr Bruynius, Tanya Thorp, wrote: “We are devastated and saddened by this accident, and being in South Africa unable to get to Lisinda and the kids. Having my brother passing is something we can’t explain to others.

“God bless and please keep them in your prayers. He was an amazing father. God came to fetch one of the best dads ever.”

Posting on the page on Wednesday, August 24, family friends Armand and Madelein Jansen Van Noordwyk wrote: “Mckayla is now peacefully resting with her Daddy. She went last night. Rest well little angel, we will miss you more than words can say.

“All our prayers and thoughts are now with Lisinda and the boys. We know the road ahead will be rocky and very, very hard. May they find the strength.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jarrod Yewen, from Newquay CID, said: “This is a tragic case for all those involved and our thoughts remain with the family at what is a deeply traumatic time for them.

“The deaths are not being investigated as suspicious therefore the police will now prepare a file for HM Coroner and an inquest will be held in due course.”

To donate to the family’s Just Giving page, click here. 

Do you know the Bruynius family? Help us pay tribute to Rudy and Mckayla by emailing pippa.allen@newsquest.co.uk or calling 020 8722 6337