A FORMER colleague of a man involved in a double-death tragedy in Deighton last night spoke of her shock.

The woman worked with Efias Rusukira, caring for people with severe needs, and said she was stunned at news of the tragedy.

The bodies of Mr Rusukira and his wife Grace were discovered by police at their home in Chalwood, Deighton, last Wednesday.

The former support worker is believed to have strangled his wife then killed himself.

But news of the deaths stunned his former colleague.

Until now no-one has come forward who knew the pair to offer insight into the couple’s characters.

The colleague of Mr Rusukira, who did not wish to be named, told the Examiner she worked with him at Oxley Woodhouse, Fartown, for more than a year.

She said: “He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. We used to work two-on-one with an autism patient so we worked quite closely together.

“He was meticulous, and so efficient.

“He was so dedicated to his job. We used to work long shifts often taking patients out on trips. He always stayed calm. He was like a role model for the younger carers.”

Speaking of the double tragedy she added: “I am still in shock. I can’t imagine him murdering her.

“He was such a gentle man. Maybe we will never know what happened.

“I haven’t been able to sleep since.