The 20-year old passed away in an attempt to save a woman who had fallen into the Thames.
Tributes have been pouring in for Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, a London man who drowned while attempting to save a woman in the Thames.
The 20 year-old man courageously jumped into the Thames shortly after midnight on Saturday 24 April, after he saw a woman fall into the river.
The coastguard and the Met Police’s marine unit were able to rescue the woman as well as another man who entered the river. Sadly, Folajimi’s body was found six hours later.
London mayor Sadiq Khan led tributes, and praised Folajimi for his incredible bravery.
“Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole was the best of us,” Khan wrote on Twitter. “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.”
'Jimi means a lot to everyone.'
Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole's best friend Bernard Kosia talks to @susannareid100 and @adilray about his best friend.
He pays tribute to the 'hero' who sadly lost his life saving a woman from the Thames.#JimiTheHero pic.twitter.com/Z63YoNRIca
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 27, 2021
The young man’s father Michael Adewole told The Sun that Folajimi was “full of life”, and the “heart” of his family:
“He is a very unique and angelic soul and I am so proud of him. So proud, and I want the world to know he is the deepest and most wonderful man.”
The heroic young man worked as a waiter in Cinnamon Club. Vivek Singh, the restaurant’s executive chef, spoke about Olubunmi-Adewole in a touching tribute.
“We are absolutely devastated and are trying to come to terms with the tragic death of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole,” he said.
“Jimi, as he was known to everyone at the Cinnamon Club, was a much-loved member of the front of house team and we are all reeling from this incredibly tragic news. He worked with the Cinnamon Club for over a year and was a diligent, kind and passionate young man, a real team player.”
Singh continued: “What he did was a tremendous and selfless act of bravery, to save the life of a complete stranger. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. He will be remembered as a true hero.”
Jimi’s friends wrote on Twitter that he was among “the kindest people” in the world.
