A hero dad has died after diving into a canal to save the life of his disabled daughter.
Lawrence Casey, 86, jumped into Bude Canal, Cornwall, to rescue Jessica, who is in her 20s, on Wednesday afternoon.
Her family say she suddenly lost control of her mobility scooter when she plunged into the water.
Members of the public also ‘selflessly helped’ to save her life, and managed to pull her out for her to be taken to hospital. She is now recovering at home.
Lawrence’s family told the BBC: ‘He was devoted to the care of his disabled daughter and his final act of love as a father was to sacrifice his life to save hers.
‘We extend our sincere gratitude to members of the public who also selflessly helped in the saving of her life.’
Praising members of the public who intervened that afternoon, they said: ‘We are deeply shocked of course but I am so incredibly heartened by those who helped.
‘My family and I would like to express our deep gratitude for all those involved.’
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman said: ‘Emergency services were called at 5.20pm to Bude Canal following reports of concern for the welfare of two people in the water.
‘A woman in her 20s pulled from the water by members of the public and was taken to hospital by land ambulance.
‘A man in his 80s was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
‘The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.