A 20-year-old Nigerian-born who drowned after jumping into the River Thames in Britain to rescue a woman who fell from London Bridge has been nominated for a bravery award, the Daily Mail of UK reported.
The City of London Police nominated Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole for the award after he lost his life diving into the river after spotting the woman fall from the bridge.
Police have said it is ‘absolutely right’ that he is nominated for the award from the Royal Humane Society.
The force is also looking to award him with a commendation from Commissioner Ian Dyson.
Mr Olubunmi-Adewole was on his way home from work around midnight on April 26 when the woman fell from the bridge.
After diving in to rescue her, the woman and another man who also jumped into the water were rescued by the Coastguard and the Metropolitan Police’s river unit, but Jimi was not found after a search which called off after more than an hour.
Police then said a body which was later formally identified to be that of Jimi was discovered at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.
A City of London Police spokesperson said: “We feel that is absolutely right to recognise the bravery and selfless actions of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, known as Jimi.
“To honour his memory and heroism, we have contacted the Royal Humane Society to start the nomination process for their bravery award, and we are also looking to award Jimi a commissioner’s commendation from the City of London Police.
“Our thoughts remain with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
As the plans were announced, his family paid tribute to him, describing him as a ‘loving son’ and ‘best friend’ who is ‘irreplaceable’.
In statements through the police, his father, Michael Adewole, 63, said: “Jimi is a loving son and my best friend. He has a good heart and always willing to help everyone around him. I’ll forever miss him.”
His mother, Olasunkanmi Adewole, 54, added: “I feel bad, because my son was trying to rescue a woman.
“My son Jimi is my strength, he takes care of me and everyone. I’m empty without Jimi. I pray to have peace in my life.”