Rushabh Patel, 28, Dies Rescuing Friends from River Great Ouse in Newport Pagnell

Rushabh Patel, 28, lost his life after rescuing two friends from the River Great Ouse in Newport Pagnell. The incident took place on Sunday, 24 May, as Mr Patel, his wife Mili, 30, and their 18-month-old daughter Vrumi were enjoying a picnic at Bury Fields.

Upon observing his friends in distress while swimming, Mr Patel immediately entered the river to assist them. He subsequently suffered a cardiac arrest and drowned.

Mili Patel, from Milton Keynes, described her husband as "a lovely husband and father who always wanted to help everyone." She recounted their happiness earlier that day, playing with their daughter, before the cries for help from their friends led to the tragedy.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed four crews to the scene. Thames Valley Police confirmed that medical attention was administered to Mr Patel upon their arrival. He was later transported by air ambulance to Milton Keynes University Hospital, where he passed away on 28 May.

An inquest into Mr Patel's death is expected to be opened by coroners in due course. An online fundraiser established in his memory has already accumulated over £40,000. Mr Patel's funeral is scheduled for today at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes, with his parents attending. He is also survived by a brother residing in India.