Friends pay tribute to ‘pure-hearted soul’ who died attempting to rescue woman from River Thames

The 'hero' died attempting to save a woman who fell off London Bridge

Friends have paid tribute to a 20-year-old man who jumped into the River Thames in an attempt to save a woman who fell from London Bridge in the early hours of this morning. Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, who is known to friends as "Jimi", sadly died in the process of rescuing the woman, police said. A spokesperson for City of London Police said: "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." The Nigerian-born Briton was a former pupil at the Harris Academy in Peckham, according to MyLondon. Friends of heroic 20-year-old have paid tribute to "Jimi." One friend wrote: "Jimi, it’s going to be weird not seeing you grinning like you always do. Such a clean-hearted kid. To have been so heroic, this really hurts." Another friend said: "How is it possible that you didn’t survive? Still in shock and still confused... you were selfless as always and will be remembered for that! RIP my brother, rest in the most perfect peace. I pray God welcomes you with open arms.” Members of the public also paid their respects to Olubunmi-Adewole on social media. One person on Twitter said: "Sad this family just lost another hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole who died saving the woman who attempted suicide in River Thames yesterday. Pure-hearted soul. Great helper. Loving boy. RIP #JimiTheHero." Another person wrote: "Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole was a brave man, who always clearly put others before himself. The word "hero" is overused, he was the epitome of one. I hope the family of the woman he tried to save reach out to his family & show their gratitude. My condolences to his F&F... #RIPJimmy." R.I.P.