A Swindon man made the ultimate sacrifice when he attempted to save the life of his friend who was drowning in the River Avon on Thursday afternoon.
Tesco worker Samuel Fernandez, 20, jumped into the water in Bath in an attempt to rescue his friend and colleague Velly Sousa, 24, when he got into difficulty.
During the rescue attempt, both men are said to have disappeared in the river and drowned.
Emergency services – including a Coastguard helicopter – were called to the incident near Toll Bridge where they recovered two males. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 4.12pm by the ambulance service amid concern for people in the water near Toll Bridge in Bath.
“A rescue operation was subsequently led by Avon Fire and Rescue Service.
“Two adult casualties were rescued and given into the care of the ambulance service.
“However, both males were pronounced dead at the scene.
“The deaths will be referred to the coroner.”
