A 20-year-old Nigerian man, Folajimi Olubunmi- Adewole, on Saturday died after plunging into the River Thames to save a woman who fell from London Bridge.
The deceased reportedly jumped into the river along with a second man to rescue the woman just after midnight.
Unfortunately, officials of the emergency services who were called in to salvage the situation could only save two persons.
They rescued the fallen woman, alongside the other man but couldn’t trace Olubunmi-Adewole.
According to The Sun UK, his body was subsequently pulled out of the River Thames at about 6.00 am yesterday.
The victim was described as a Nigerian-born Brit who was a former student of Harris Academy in Peckham, South London.
His heroic attempt has been applauded by the British press.
Friends also paid tribute to the “hero”, whom they fondly referred to as ‘Jimi.’
An eyewitness said that “There was at least one police boat on the water, and about six police cars and an ambulance. The tide was very high and choppy.”
An undisclosed resident living close to where the incident occurred also disclosed that: “I woke up and thought it was kids messing about. Someone was shouting ‘help’, ‘help’, the shouting was constant.
“I looked outside and saw someone shouting in the river, there were helicopters, boats and loads of police.”
Meanwhile, London Police spokesperson has also given an insight into the drowning incident, saying the marine unit could only pull out two persons from the Thame.
“We were called at 00.12 on Saturday 24 April to reports of a woman in the River Thames close to London Bridge.
“Two men, who had witnessed the woman fall from the bridge, entered the river to try and save her.
“The Coastguard and Metropolitan Police Marine Units were able to rescue the woman and one of the men.
“Sadly, following an extensive search involving police helicopters, marine units, LFB, LAS and City Police officers, the missing man was not located.
“At 06.00 the same morning, a body was found believed to be that of the missing man.
“His next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers from the City of London Police.”
