THE father of a 20-year-old man who died while trying to rescue a woman from the River Thames on Saturday night has hailed his son as a hero.

Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, known as Jimi, entered the water with one other man at about midnight after they saw a woman fall from London Bridge.

The coastguard and the Met Police marine unit rescued the woman and the other man, but could not locate Jimi.

A body believed to be his was found at 6am, police said.

Paying tribute yesterday, Michael Adewola, 61, said his son was a “very unique and angelic soul” and that he was “so proud” of him.

“He is a hero, and always will be,” he said. “I can’t bring him back but I want him to be remembered forever for what he did. It was just like him to want to always try and help others.”

Jimi was with a friend, Bernard, when the incident occurred. Bernard told Sky News that his friend had jumped in “because that’s how Jimi is — Jimi is pure at heart.” 

By yesterday afternoon a fundraiser to support the family had reached over £70,000, with its initial target having been £25,000.