Hero Tesco worker, 20, drowned trying to save pal, 24, who also died in double river tragedy just months before wedding

29 May 2020, 13:45 by Ellie Cambridge

A HERO drowned in the River Avon to save his pal who also died in the double tragedy just months before his wedding.

Samuel Fernandez, 20, jumped into the water in Bath to rescue Velly Sousa, 24, after he got into difficulty yesterday afternoon.

Emergency crews were scrambled after the Tesco co-workers became "lost underwater" and they were pulled from the water close to the main city.

But tragically neither could be saved and they were both declared dead at the scene.

Their heartbroken friend Luvson D'Costa, 29, today paid tribute to the "really great guys" and revealed Velley was due to be married this year.

He said: "They were just swimming and I think Velley jumped in the water and Sam went after.

"I used to work with them, I was closer to Sam and Velley was more of a friend of a friend, but they were great guys.

"A group of them who work at Tesco went to enjoy a day out, they've been working non stop through the lockdown so wanted to get out for a bit.

"I know Sam could swim, I'm not sure about Velley. They weren't drinking or anything, it was just a tragic accident."

Police said they are not treating the deaths as suspicious.

Avon and Somerset Police tweeted: "We were called at 4.12pm by the ambulance service amid concern for people in the water near Toll Bridge in Bath.

"A rescue operation was subsequently led by Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

"Two adult casualties were rescued and given into the care of the ambulance service.

"However, both males were pronounced dead at the scene.

"The deaths will be referred to the coroner."

It comes as the UK has enjoyed weeks of sunny and warm weather while in lockdown.