Hero Dad! 86-Year-Old Man Drowns After Jumping Into Canal To Save His Disabled Daughter

The man and his daughter

In what will come across as a really heartbreaking development, a hero dad performed a "final act of love" as he tragically died rescuing his disabled daughter after she lost control of her mobility scooter and fell into a canal, according to Daily Star UK.

Lawrence Casey, 86, dove into Bude Canal in north Cornwall to rescue his stricken daughter Jessica after she fell into the water on Wednesday, September 1.

Emergency services confirmed following the incident that she had been pulled from the water by members of the public and taken to hospital by land ambulance, but that Mr Casey tragically died at the scene of his heroic rescue.

His family have now praised members of the public who went to help during the incident on Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement 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."

They 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."

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.