Buckinghamshire Man Charged After Alleged Attempt to Drown Daughter-in-Law on Disney Holiday

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A British grandfather from Buckinghamshire has been charged with attempted second-degree murder following a disturbing incident during a family holiday to Disney World.

Mark Gibbon, 62, from Beaconsfield, is accused of trying to drown his daughter-in-law, Jasmine Wyld, 33, during what police described as a violent altercation at a private villa. The alleged attack took place at the family’s rented accommodation while on a luxury trip near the popular theme park destination.

Gibbon, who runs the lighting business MRG Lighting, formerly Ultralight, was arrested after deputies responded to reports of a disturbance involving a swimming pool. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, an argument broke out between Gibbon and Ms Wyld regarding his will, which quickly escalated.

Ms Wyld, a hairdresser also from Buckinghamshire, reportedly told officers that she had feared for her life, claiming that Gibbon repeatedly forced her head under the water and prevented her from breathing. She said she fought him off several times but was pushed back under. Her nine-year-old daughter is said to have jumped into the pool in an attempt to intervene.

Gibbon remains in custody in the US, where authorities have charged him with both attempted second-degree murder and battery. The sheriff’s office publicly criticised his actions, stating: “Because Mr Gibbon couldn’t control his anger, he may find himself spending a lot more time in Florida than he had anticipated.”

Ms Wyld has two children with Gibbon’s son, Alex, who previously worked alongside his father in the family lighting firm. Alex stepped down as director of the business in April 2023, after which Gibbon rebranded it as MRG Lighting, listing himself as the sole director. He also remains the only listed director of Sage Hairdressing, also based in Beaconsfield.

Companies House records show that Ms Wyld previously ran her own business, Jasmine Elizabeth Hair, but this was voluntarily dissolved earlier this year. She did not comment when approached following the arrest.

Photographs on social media show Ms Wyld smiling with Alex and their children, offering a glimpse into what was intended to be a cheerful family break. Instead, the trip has taken a serious turn.

As legal proceedings continue overseas, no official statement has yet been issued by UK authorities at this time.