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Who was Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole? 'True hero', 20, dies trying to rescue woman who fell into River Thames

Adewole jumped into the river after he saw a woman fall, but he wasn't rescued by the Coast Guard

Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole didn't have a second's hesitation. When Olubunmi-Adewole, better known as Jimi, was on his way home from work on Saturday, April 24, he saw a woman fall into the River Thames, and immediately jumped in after her. Another man too jumped in with Jimi to rescue the woman. The woman and second man were rescued by the Coast Guard, they couldn't find any sign of Jimi. 

That incident occurred at midnight on Saturday. Around 6 am, police discovered a body they said could be his. The shocking and tragic death of Jimi has left his family and friends heartbroken. Tributes have poured in not just from close ones, but many users on social media, including London's Mayor Sadiq Khan. Khan tweeted, "Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole was the best of us. 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."

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Khan's tweet echoes many of the sentiments being shared about Jimi, a Nigerian immigrant who was just 20 years old. As the city, and indeed the country celebrates the hero, here's what we know about Jimi. 

Who was Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole?

Originally from Nigeria, Jimi lived in Bermondsey, London, with his family. He was reportedly a former student at the Harris Academy Peckham, a noted school in London. Not much else is known about him. We couldn't find a Facebook or Instagram profile linked to him. According to the GoFundMe page set up to help the family, Jimi "was a hardworking college graduate who at 20 was the family’s breadwinner." At the time of writing, the page had raised $69,105 while its target was of $34755.

Jimi is survived by his parents, Michael Adewola and Olasunkanmi Adewole. Jimi also has several siblings. He lives with an older brother in London, while two of his brothers are back in Nigeria according to The Sun. The heartbroken family hopes that Jimi is recognized for his efforts. "We want his life to mean something, it will always mean something to us, but he should be rewarded for the bravery he showed, he deserves a medal for what he did," Michael told The Sun. He added, "He was a precious boy, and so respectful and pure-hearted. He was just something else," and also called Jimi, "a very unique and angelic soul."

A lot of positive messages have also been shared online, using the hashtag #JimiTheHero.

'Tragic ending from a selfless act' 

One user posted, "#UK should be proud of this young man who risked and forfeited his all trying to save another." Another tweeted, "Lost his life trying to save another whom he did not even know. What a courageous man and an example to us all. RIP."

Another called his death "tragic ending from a courageous and selfless act." One user tweeted, "Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, you left way too soon trying to save the life of a stranger. You are a real example of altruism and this world needs more people like you. RIP hero".

Another said, "Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole I hope your name will be written on that London Bridge in gold."

A former Major in the British Army tweeted, "An inspiring story with such tragic consequences for this very brave young man Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole. Taken long before his time, his selfless love and sacrifice for a fellow human being, unknown to him, is an example to us all. Proud of you son, may you rest in peace."

The family of Jimi has also criticized the London Police for its search, saying it was "not enough". Police responded to the incident at 12.12 am, and called off the search at 1.20 am. According to Michael, the police informed him of the incident around 1.00 am. At 5.46 am, the police discovered a body on the shore of the Thames. It is unclear as of now how the woman fell into the river, and investigations into it are still ongoing. The other person who jumped in with Jimi has also not been named.