“SHE WENT OUT FOR A WALK WITH HER DOG — AND NEVER CAME HOME”: HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR SAL GALLOWAY, 59

Friends and family are remembering a much-loved woman who lost her life after being swept into the sea during powerful storm conditions along the Isle of Wight coastline.

A morning walk with her dog ended in tragedy for 59-year-old Sal Galloway, after a powerful wave swept her into the sea along the Isle of Wight coastline.

Sal was walking along the coastal promenade between Sandown and Shanklin on Monday, October 26, when she was caught by the dangerous conditions as rough seas battered the shore.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 11:15 a.m., prompting a major search and rescue operation involving police, paramedics, Coastguard Rescue Teams, a helicopter and the Bembridge RNLI lifeboat.

Despite the efforts of rescue crews, Sal could not be saved. Her body was recovered from the water shortly after midday, south of Sandown Pier.

HER DOG SURVIVED THE TRAGEDY

Amid the heartbreaking circumstances, one small detail brought some comfort: Sal’s dog survived.

The animal was taken in by a local café while emergency services dealt with the incident.

For those who knew Sal, however, the loss has been devastating. A routine walk had become the final outing of a woman remembered with deep affection by her family, friends and wider community.

“MY BEAUTIFUL COUSIN” — LOVED ONES SHARE TRIBUTES

Following news of her death, emotional tributes began appearing online.

One devastated cousin wrote:

“RIP to my beautiful cousin Sal Galloway. Can’t believe I’m writing this. Fly high my darling.”

A friend remembered Sal as someone who always made time for others, writing:

“Rest in peace my dear friend Sal Galloway. Didn’t see you much but you were a lovely lady. Always had time for everyone.”

The message went on to offer condolences to her family and friends, reflecting just how many people cared about her.

Another childhood friend shared a short but deeply moving tribute:

“My childhood best friend. Will miss you.”

Others remembered Sal’s connection to the local scootering community and the friendships she had built over the years.

A WOMAN REMEMBERED FOR HER PASSIONS AND KINDNESS

Sal was known among friends for her love of scooters and soul music.

But the tributes shared after her passing reveal something more personal: a woman remembered for her warmth, kindness and willingness to make time for the people around her.

The messages have painted a picture of someone whose presence touched many lives across the island.

A TRAGEDY DURING DANGEROUS STORM CONDITIONS

Sal’s death occurred as Storm Boelo brought severe weather, powerful winds and hazardous sea conditions to parts of the United Kingdom.

The Isle of Wight Council had warned people to stay well away from sea walls and exposed coastal paths while conditions remained dangerous.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that Sal’s next of kin had been informed and that a file would be prepared for the coroner.

An inquest is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.

“YOU WILL BE MISSED”

For Sal’s family and friends, the grief is immeasurable.

She was a beloved cousin, a childhood friend and a familiar face in her community — someone whose memory is now being carried through the words of those who loved her.

Her dog survived that terrible day, but Sal never made it home.

As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew her are remembering not just the tragic circumstances of her final walk, but the life she lived and the people she left behind.

Rest in peace, Sal Galloway. 🤍