A 28-year-old father has died after heroically rescuing two people from drowning while on a family picnic. Rushabh Patel spotted the pair struggling in the water at Newport Pagnell Beach, near Milton Keynes, on May 24 and jumped in to save them.
Mr Patel, who was with his wife and 18-month-old daughter, managed to bring both swimmers to safety but tragically lost his own life. He was airlifted to Milton Keynes University Hospital, where doctors fought for days to save him, but he was pronounced dead.
It is believed Mr Patel suffered a cardiac arrest after entering the River Great Ouse. Following his death, his organs were donated, saving the lives of five other people.
His brother, Aman, paid tribute: 'Rushabh's final act on this earth was one of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. He gave his life while saving others. He was a hero in every sense of the word.'
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his wife Mili and daughter Vrumi. The page describes Mr Patel, originally from India, as a 'loving husband, devoted father, caring son, and loyal friend' who moved to the UK for a better future for his family.
His death is one of 18 water-related fatalities recorded during the Bank Holiday heatwave. The RNLI has warned of the dangers of cold water shock, which can cause panic and drowning.
