Tributes have poured in for the wife of St George’s MP Kenneth Bascome who died in a tragic accident this week.

Rochelle Bascome fell over at home and hit her head at around 6.45pm on Tuesday.

Mrs Bascome was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

The 54-year-old was a popular figure in the old town and worked at the duty-free shop at the airport.

The couple had been married for 30 years and lived in Ferry Road in St George’s.

Friends told The Gazette that the pair were dedicated to each other and ‘inseparable’.

Mr Bascome was in OBA caucus on Tuesday night when he was told the tragic news.

Former St George’s Mayor, Henry Hayward said: “This must be a huge shock to Kenny and his family.

“Rochelle was a quiet and serious person and a very pleasant personality.

“Certainly in her job at the airport she was always positive and always had a joyful remark for her customers.

“My sympathies go out to Kenny.

“The parish and the whole town have all been left in a state of shock from this sad news.”

St George’s Mayor Garth Rothwell added: “I was shocked to learn of the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of Mrs Bascome last night. Both she and Kenny were staunch supporters of St George’s.

“I know he relied on her a great deal in supporting him in his quest to represent the residents of St George’s.

“My deepest sympathy goes out to Kenny and his family.”

Meanwhile, another former Mayor, Mariea Caisey, paid tribute to Mrs Bascome.

She said: “I first met Rochelle at the Peppercorn Ceremony after Kenny was made Mayor.

“I got to know her well over the years; she was a quiet person who kept to herself.

“She was dedicated to Kenny. They were inseparable.

“Rochelle was really such a lovely lady and I would often see her at the airport working in the duty-free shop.

“They were devoted to each other and Kenny was her life.”

Premier Michael Dunkley also paid tribute to Mrs Bascome.

Mr Dunkley said: “It was a complete shock last night to receive the tragic news that Rochelle, Kenny’s wife of 30 years, had passed away.

“On behalf of the One Bermuda Alliance, Kenny’s colleagues in the House of Assembly and the entire community, I would like to express our deepest sympathies.

“I would ask the community to please keep Kenny and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with this sudden and tragic loss.”

OBA Chair Susan Jackson said: “The One Bermuda Alliance is devastated by the news of the death of Rochelle Bascome, wife of Member of Parliament Kenny Bascome. Theirs was a very close relationship, so our thoughts and prayers are with Kenny and the Bascome family at this trying time.”

PLP Leader Marc Bean said: “On behalf of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, I extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the late Mrs. Bascome, wife of our Parliamentary colleague and MP for St. George’s North, Mr. Kenneth Bascome, JP MP.

“During this time, may you and your family be comforted by your memories, and may your friends and family be a source of strength.”

A police spokesperson said: “Around 6:43pm on Tuesday police and first responders attended a report of an incident that took place at a Ferry Road, St. George’s residence. It appears that a woman lost her footing and as a result fell and hit her head.

“The woman 54 year old St. George’s woman was later taken to KEMH where she was pronounced dead. Foul play is not suspected and inquiries into this incident are ongoing.”