A young man who tragically lost his life after jumping into the Thames to rescue a woman has been posthumously honored with the King’s Commendation for Bravery.
Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, affectionately called Jimi, was returning home from his job at a central London eatery in April 2021 when he heard a woman in distress in the water.
Alongside another would-be rescuer, Joaquim Garcia, he plunged into the river near London Bridge around midnight.
The coastguard and marine police were able to save the woman and Garcia, but sadly, Olubunmi-Adewole, aged 20, could not be located. His body was recovered approximately six hours later.
Garcia, who is 26 years old, also received the same commendation for bravery and expressed that it was a privilege and “a reminder that my actions were truly worthwhile.”
He shared how comforting it was to learn that without his assistance in keeping her afloat and guiding her, the woman likely would have perished.
Learning of Olubunmi-Adewole’s fate was one of the most painful experiences of his life, yet he found solace in the fact that the younger man was honored posthumously.
“It can be incredibly traumatic,” he remarked, “but I believe that receiving this accolade provides a sense of peace and recognition.”
During an inquest held the following year, an assistant coroner determined that Olubunmi-Adewole’s death was accidental and commended his “bravery and resolve.”
“The audacity to leap into the Thames at night to assist a complete stranger is truly remarkable.
“While many of us might like to believe we would act similarly, very few possess the courage and determination to do so.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy remarked, “These awards celebrate acts of valor and bravery, and in the narratives of those honored today, we witness genuine selflessness.
“Folajimi and Joaquim placed their own lives at risk for strangers without a second thought.
“Their deeds reflect the best aspects of humanity. Their families and our nation hold them in deep regard.”
The posthumous award for Olubunmi-Adewole will be presented to his next of kin.
