Hero dad, 86, drowns saving disabled daughter’s life in ‘final act of love’ after mobility scooter crashes into canal

A HERO dad has drowned saving his disabled daughter's life after her mobility scooter crashed into a canal.

Lawrence Casey, 86, died in Bude Canal, Cornwall, after rescuing Jessica in a "final act of love" as she lost control of her mobility scooter on Wednesday.

Members of the public also "selflessly helped" to save the life of Ms Casey - who is now recovering at home, the family told the BBC.

In a statement, Mr Casey's family said: "He was devoted to the care of his disabled daughter and his final act of love as a father was to sacrifice his life to save hers.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to members of the public who also selflessly helped in the saving of her life."

Reports the family say Ms Casey, who is in her 20s, suddenly lost control of her mobility scooter so that she and the scooter plunged into the canal.

Emergency services were called to Bude Canal at 5.20pm and Mr Casey was confirmed dead at the scene.