Folajimi Olubonmi-Adewole (pictured at 20) was called a hero. It was discovered that he was one the two men who jumped into the water to save a lady just after midnight on 24/04. Unfortunately, he drowned.
After jumping into River Thames to help his friend, a “kind and loving” hero was killed.
Folajimi Olubunmi Olubunmi Adewole (20) ran from London Bridge down to the river’s edges. After hearing a woman screaming, “Help me! I can’t Swim!”,” Folajimi Olubunmi -Adewole entered the water and undressed. This was April 24, 2012.
He and another man, Joaquin Garcia, attempted to swim 40 metres to retrieve the panicking woman, but Mr Olubunmi-Adewole then got into trouble himself.
Although the Marine Police managed to save Mrs Garcia and her husband, Mr Olubunmi Adewole was killed by his buddies around five hours later.
Southwark Coroner’s Court began an inquest into the death of his son on Tuesday.
Assistant Coroner Dr Julian Morris told the court that Nigerian-born Mr Olubunmi-Adewole was on his way home from work at a central London restaurant when he began making his way across London Bridge at around midnight.
Dr Morris read a testimony and stated that the men had been seen running, before shouting: “Where are your?”
The Thames was then flooded with a woman waving her arms and screaming, ‘Help me! I can’t swim!
Mr Olubunmi-Adewole was posthumously put forward for a Royal Humane Society award by City of London Police for his bravery and selfless actions’
Pictured: The Thames River Thames Police Boat with London Bridge as background. This is during the hunt for the man who ran into the River Thames to rescue a woman.
They then ran up steps toward the riverbank and were later seen “talking to one another and getting unstuck”, according to the court.
Dr Morris stated that the woman was “around 40 meters away” and the witness recalls hearing people’shouting to stay out’.
But, they did see one man jumping into the water. He ‘appeared good at swimming’.
The second man was there ‘five to ten seconds’ later, and he started calling out for help.
As a Marine Unit searched for them, police officers arrived on the scene.
Both Mr Garcia and the woman were pulled from the waters, but Mr Garcia was still missing.
A police helicopter was deployed to assist in the search for Mr Olubunmi-Adewole at around 5.45am, five hours after he jumped into the river.
He was then found at seashore at about 6 a.m. and declared dead instantly.
Dr Morris stated that an inquest would be conducted into the demise at a future date.
His daring rescue mission was heroised by Mr Olubunmi Adewole.
He was linked to Malcolm’s World Foundation. This charity was established by his parents Malcolm Mide-Madaiola. Malcolm was a student at the school and was killed in 2018 while protecting Clapham Tube Station’s friend.
Jimi’s father Michael Adewola (53) and mother Olasunkanmi Adewole (54) said they were proud that their son tried to save someone’s life. However, they are heartbroken by Jimi’s death.
Jimi’s father Michael Adewola (left), 54 and Olasunkanmi Adewole (54) said they were proud that their son tried to save others’ lives (right), but are saddened by his passing.
According to Mr Adewola, “Jimi was an extremely nice and kind young man. He was the heartbeat of our family.
“He had a lot of life, and could live his whole life. He was ambitious, and so gifted.
“He was an amazing boy. He was kind, respectful, and kind. “I sometimes wonder how boys like these are able to be so close together. He was simply something different.”
A father in grief also expressed his belief that his son ought to be recognized for his bravery.
He stated, “We want justice to him.” We want his life to have meaning, and that it would always be important to us. However, we believe he should receive a medal to acknowledge the courage he displayed.
“He is an extremely unique, angelic soul. I’m proud of him and want to see the whole world.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London also said that he was the best among us.
City of London Police put him forward posthumously for a Royal Humane Society honor for his “bravery, selfless actions”.
An online petition to install a memorial plaque for Mr Olubunmi-Adewole in Postman’s Park, near St Paul’s Cathedral in central London, has reached almost 150,000 signatures.