Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to the founder of a Kingston estate agents, who died in a freak jet skiing accident just two days into his honeymoon.

Jeremy Hope, 39, who founded Saxon Kings estate agents, died hours after his jet ski collided with a friend’s off the coast of the Greek island of Santorini on Wednesday, September 17.

He had married his long term girlfriend Sarah Greaves, 31, on the island just two days previously.

In a statement, Mr Hope’s colleagues at Saxon Kings, based in Park Road, said: “It is with huge regret that Saxon Kings has to announce that their founding partner, Jeremy Hope, has died suddenly.

“The entire team at Saxon Kings have greatly appreciated the many messages of support at this difficult time.

“Saxon Kings values every client and are doing everything to ensure that the business Jeremy did so much to build up will continue to offer the excellent service which it is so well known for in the area.”

Saxon Kings was launched in 2006 as an online estate agents, before opening its first premises in 2012.

Canbury ward Councillor Andrea Craig knew Mr Hope and his wife, who lived together in Worcester Park.

She said: “They set up the company before they opened in Kingston.

“They were very community minded – they sponsored King Athelstan School [in Villiers Road].

“Even though they did not live in Kingston, they were very much about being part of the community. They are a lovely couple who have been together for years.

Surrey Comet:

Jeremy Hope founded Saxon Kings in 2006

"I was very sad to hear the news. I only bumped into them a few weeks ago, and they told me they were getting married. I said we should meet up after they got back from honeymoon.”

According to reports, Mr Hope’s jet ski collided with his friend Peter Hudson’s.

Mr Hope initially appeared unhurt, and went back to sunbathe with his new wife.

But he fell ill, and was being airlifted to a hospital in Crete when he died in the helicopter.

Mr Hudson, and jet ski rental owner Yannis Kostopoulos, were arrested on suspicion of negligent manslaughter.

Both have since been released pending an investigation into the crash by Greek authorities.