Ronny Laurette, a hero who saved six children, laid to rest |28 April 2018

The funeral service

A large crowd of mourners yesterday attended the funeral service of Ronny Laurette who drowned while saving six children from drowning at Anse Marie-Laure, Bel Ombre, last weekend.

The service, attended by family and friends, was held at the St Roch Church, Bel Ombre.

Mourners were all dressed in white and lit candles in memory of the departed as they prayed for his soul.

Father Louison Emerick Bissila presided the funeral service and in his homily, he delivered a profound reflection on the life of Ronny and his heroic sacrifice to save the six children.

“Ronny can be described as a hero and a courageous person for the heroic deed and his swift actions taken to save the lives of the children who were at risk and in danger,” said Father Louison.

It was supposed to be a family gathering for a birthday anniversary at Anse Marie-Laure last weekend when Ronny and two other friends spotted the six children, who did not form part of their group, were facing great difficulty in the rolling waves and could not manage their way back on shore.

According to the police communiqué, one of Ronny’s friends made his way ashore, while the other was taken to the Seychelles Hospital by a police officer who was not on duty.

It was nearly after an hour’s search by the coast guards, lifeguards, police and some civilians that Ronny’s body was found floating.

His body was transferred to the Seychelles Hospital where he was certified dead upon arrival by doctors and nurses.

Ronny, 38, lives behind his mother Christianne Laboudallon, father Rolly Philoe, partner Pearl Nalletamby, brother and sister.