Honeymoon tragedy: Dad's heartfelt tribute to daughter who died of carbon monoxide poisoning
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A Highland newly-wed who died in a honeymoon tragedy had a natural gift of spreading happiness, according to her father.
David Somerville, of David Somerville Architects, said his daughter Mary had the ability to bring people together in friendship.
He hopes that her death from carbon monoxide poisoning highlights the dangers of exposure to this gas and the need for detector alarms to be fitted.
The 39-year-old, originally from the Loch Ness-side village of Abriachan but living in Edinburgh, was found seriously ill at a holiday property on the island of Mallorca in May.
She died on July 2, eight weeks after her husband perished from carbon monoxide poisoning during their Spanish honeymoon.
Husband Jaime Carsi was found dead at the scene, with a faulty gas-powered fridge believed to be the cause.
It is understood the pair were found after friends raised the alarm when they missed a get together.
Police discovered Mr Carsi (40) had died, before his unconscious wife was raced to hospital.
A post-mortem has confirmed Mr Carsi died of carbon monoxide poisoning and a Spanish magistrate is now leading investigations into the tragedy.
It is understood they had been staying in a rural property in Cala Mesquida, in the north-east of the holiday island.
Ms Somerville, who was treated at the Manacor Hospital in Majorca, was subsequently transferred back to the UK and died at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh on July 2.
She had latterly worked as a yoga and meditation teacher for spiritual organisation the Art of Living UK, having previously been a Lloyds bank employee.
A funeral directors’ notice by Inverness-based Duncan Chisholm & Sons said she was survived by parents Helena and David, and brothers Misha and John.
A funeral ceremony will be held at Inverness Crematorium at a date and time still to be confirmed, with the service live-streamed for those unable to attend.
"Wherever Mary went it was her ability to bring people together in friendship that was her outstanding attribute."
Ms Somerville, who grew up at Abriachan and attended Dochgarroch Primary school, was also a talented musician.
Her dad said: "Mary was blessed with a natural gift of spreading happiness. With Jaime by her side laughter and fun were always present and Mary put this to good use with her involvement in the Art of Living Foundation, a worldwide organisation devoted to humanitarian enterprises and to helping people find inner strength through meditation and service to others.
"Born in the Highlands, Mary spent her childhood in Abriachan and attended Charleston Academy in Inverness. She studied architecture in Glasgow, art in Dundee and latterly in addition to her work for Art of Living she published a book of animal characters and recorded an album of her playing the clarsach, now available on Spotify. She loved to travel and visited many countries throughout the world.
"Wherever Mary went it was her ability to bring people together in friendship that was her outstanding attribute, this is reflected in the many people who have expressed their sadness at her passing.
"The particular nature of the accident which caused the death of Mary and Jaime from carbon monoxide poisoning was referred to by Humza Yousaf in the Scottish Parliament. We would hope that this accident would bring home to people the dangers of exposure to this gas and the need to fit carbon monoxide alarms where required."
