Tributes paid to 'hero' Cinnamon Club waiter who died trying to save woman's life

Tributes have been paid to a "hero" member of the Cinnamon Club restaurant team in London who died after jumping into the River Thames to save a woman's life.

Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, 20, entered the water at around midnight on Saturday (24 April) after seeing the woman fall.

Both the woman and another man who jumped in to help were later rescued by the coastguard and Met Police's marine unit, but sadly Olubunmi-Adewole was not found after an extensive search, police said.

A spokesperson for the Cinnamon Club said Olubunmi-Adewole was a commis waiter who had worked for the restaurant since November 2019.

Vivek Singh, executive chef at the Cinnamon Club, described him as a well-liked and "selfless" individual.

"We are absolutely devastated and are trying to come to terms with the tragic death of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole," said Singh.

"Jimi, as he was known to everyone at the Cinnamon Club, was a much-loved member of the front of house team and we are all reeling from this incredibly tragic news. He worked with the Cinnamon Club for over a year and was a diligent, kind and passionate young man, a real team player.

"What he did was a tremendous and selfless act of bravery, to save the life of a complete stranger. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. He will be remembered as a true hero."

Posting on Twitter, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said Olubunmi-Adewole was "the best of us".

He wrote: "A true hero of our city who gave his life trying to save another. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of tragic loss."

A GoFundMe page set up to support Olubunmi-Adewole's family has already raised over £90,000. To donate or view the page click here.

Image: GoFundMe