Tributes after man dies saving friends in river

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29 minutes ago

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

Family handout A man sitting indoors with a small child on his lap. He is wearing glasses and a neutral-toned top, while the child is dressed in a patterned outfit and raising one hand. Both are positioned close together, suggesting a candid, relaxed moment at home. The background includes a light-coloured wall and a table surface with a bottle visible.

Tributes have been paid to a man who died after rescuing two friends in a river.

Rushabh Patel, 28, was having a picnic with his wife and 18-month-old daughter on Sunday, 24 May, at Bury Fields in Newport Pagnell, when the tragedy occurred.

After seeing his friends get into difficulty, he jumped into the River Great Ouse to help save them, but later suffered a cardiac arrest and drowned.

His wife, Mili, 30, from Milton Keynes, said that "he was a lovely husband and father who always wanted to help everyone".

She said the family had gone out during the heatwave and "we were so happy playing with our daughter Vrumi".

But after hearing two of their friends scream while swimming, her husband went to help.

When he got into difficulty, she said she was "unable to think" and "just hoped he would wake up and he would be OK".

Google A wide open green field under a cloudy sky, with a narrow path cutting through the grass. In the foreground, there is a metal gate and fence leading into the meadow area. A large sign on two posts reads “Bury Field Common and Meadow” and includes rules and guidance for visitors. Trees line the horizon in the distance, framing the rural landscape.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said that four crews attended the incident.

In a post on social media, Thames Valley Police said on arrival, one male was receiving medical attention. He was subsequently airlifted to Milton Keynes University Hospital, where he died on 28 May.

Coroners said an inquest into Patel's death would be opened "at some point soon".

Family handout Three people posing together in a brightly lit outdoor setting decorated with hanging string lights. A woman is holding a small child dressed in a colourful outfit, while another stands close beside them, all facing the camera. The setting appears festive, with illuminated decorations overhead and gift box displays visible in the background.

An online fundraiser in memory of Patel has so far raised more than £40,000.

Mili said she wished that some "magic would happen and he would come back".

His funeral takes place today at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes, and both his parents will be in attendance. He is also survived by a brother who is in India.

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