A man has died after jumping into the sea to save a stranger he saw getting into difficulty in the water. Alex Gibson, 22, jumped off Blackpool Pier on Friday morning to try and save the life of another young man.
Hero, 22, dies after jumping into sea to save stranger
Gibson, allegedly, spotted another man in trouble in the water, but ended up having difficulty in the waves at around 4.20am and things went wrong for them. Emergency services, including the RNLI and a Coast Guard helicopter, rushed to his aid.
He reportedly managed to “crawl out” of the sea and was taken to hospital, but could not be saved. The fish and chip store Alex worked for described him as a “truly amazing young man”.
The company said, “All his friends would agree that he was intelligent, hard-working, pleasant, caring and literally wouldn’t hurt a fly.
He is a true hero, drowning sacrificing his life to help another.”
“All his co-workers loved him and we miss him terribly. Tragically taken at 22. My heart goes out to all his family.”
Blackpool pub landlord Hamish Howitt has started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Alex’s family.
Mr Howitt wrote: “The beautiful Alex Gibson, 22, a true hero, sacrificed his life last night in Blackpool, rescuing a child from the sea. A beautiful, loving son, brother and friend to all who knew him. Please help with a donation for a beautiful farewell to a true hero.”
A public memorial has been organized for August 7 at North Pier.
Organizer Siobhan Rosie said Alex was “the kindest and bravest soul who ever lived.”
A HM Coastguard spokesman said, “We received a call from Lancashire Police with an update on the casualty, and it was confirmed that he died.”
