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UK: His Name Is Jimi Olubunmi-Adewole – The London Bridge Hero

The 20-year-old who drowned in River Thames while trying to rescue a woman who’d fallen from the London Bridge has been named as Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole.

Jimi who is being praised as a “true hero” was on his way home from work late Friday when he saw the woman in distress, and didn’t hesitate to help.

“Not thinking twice after calling the police, convinced he could do something to save her, he jumped in and drowned saving her,” a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for his funeral said. “This is to support the funeral and the rest [is] for post-funeral, as he was [a] hardworking college graduate who at 20 was the family’s breadwinner.”

The second Good Samaritan, Joaquin Garcia said Jimi counted down from three before they both plunged 10ft into the icy water.

The woman and Garcia were rescued by authorities, who were unable to locate Jimi. His body was reportedly found about six hours later on Saturday morning following an extensive search.

Paying tribute, Jimi’s Dad, Micheal Adewole said “Jimi was a very nice, kind young man. He was the heart of our family.” “He would help anyone that needed it. I am proud of my son, he is amazing, but as a family we are devastated. We are just glad the woman is alive too.”

Adewola said he’s working to ensure his son’s death is not in vain, and hopes to see him recognized for his bravery at some point in the future.

“He is a hero, and always will be. I can’t bring him back but I want him to be remembered forever for what he did. It was just like him to want to always try and help others,” he said. “We want his life to mean something. It will always mean something to us, but he should be rewarded for the bravery he showed. He deserves a medal for what he did.”

Jimi’s character was also recognized by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who wrote on Twitter that the late hero was “the best of us.”

“A true hero of our city who gave his life trying to save another. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of tragic loss,” he wrote.