Hero dad, 86, drowns after jumping into canal to save disabled daughter when her mobility scooter crashed into the water

A hero dad drowned while rescuing his disabled daughter after she lost control of her mobility scooter and fell into a canal.

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

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

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.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

His family has 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.”