'GOOD SAMARITAN'
Susanna Reid fights back tears as she pays tribute to man who died after jumping into the River Thames to save a woman
SUSANNA Reid fought back tears today as she described the "hero" man who died trying to save a woman who had fallen into the River Thames.
The Good Morning Britain host paid tribute to Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole 20, known as Jimi, on Good Morning Britain today as she gave viewers a glimpse of the "good Samaritan's" life.
3
She told viewers: "This is a tragic story about Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole who died at the weekend.
"A woman fell from London Bridge and two men dived into the water to try to save her. The coastguard and marine police patrols were able to rescue the woman who originally fell and one of the men but they weren't able to rescue Folajimi.
"He sounds like an absolutely remarkable person, his family and friends have paid tribute to him.
"He was linked to the charity Malcolm’s World foundation and that was set up by the parents of Malcolm Mide-Madariola. He went to the same school as Malcolm who was murdered in 2017. Clearly he was a Good Samaritan."
3
Reacting to her comments, co-host Adil Ray said: "He was a good swimmer apparently his friends have said so he was confident he could help."
As show medic Dr Hilary Jones replied: "The currents in the Thames are very strong especially up river there, and there are boast and barges moored.
"I know how dangerous it is and to do that was extremely brave.";
Jimi plunged into the icy river in the early hours of Saturday morning after alerting police close to London Bridge.
3
Malcolm Mide-Madariola, from Peckham, was stabbed in the chest with a Rambo knife as he stood up for a friend on November 2, 2018.
Folajimi had a tattoo on his arm in tribute to Malcolm, who was his best friend and cousin.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Such a pure hearted soul. Extremely loving and caring.
“Yesterday he died more than a hero and went home with the tattoo. You were not just his bestie, you were his brother. Bye Son.”
A pal jumped in with him and both the second man and the woman were saved - but Jimi was swept to his death.
His body was tragically found six hours later.
Family of hero, 20, who died saving stranger who fell from London Bridge say search for him was called off too soon
Most read in News TV
His dad, Michael Adewola, 63 and his mum, Olasunkanmi Adewole, 54, were devastated by the news, but were proud their son died trying to save another person’s life.
Mr Adewola told The Sun: “Jimi was a very nice, kind young man, he was the heart of our family.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“He was full of life, he had his life to live, he was ambitious and he was so gifted.
"He was a precious boy, and so respectful and pure-hearted. Sometimes I don’t know how these boys are like this together, he was just something else."
Topics