father 86 dies after jumping into the canal to save the life of his disabled daughter in her 20s who lost control of her scooter
A heroic 86-year-old father died after diving into a canal to save the life of the wheelchair-bound daughter he was 'devoted' to.
Lawrence Casey, 86, drowned in the Bude Canal in Cornwall at 5.20pm on Wednesday evening.
He leapt into the icy water to rescue Jessica, who is in her 20s, from drowning.
But the man got into difficulty himself and died while Jessica was pulled out by passers-by and brought to hospital.
The Casey family said from their home in Callington, Cornwall: 'He was devoted to the care of his disabled daughter and his final act of love was to sacrifice his life to save hers.
'We extend our sincere gratitude to members of the public who also selflessly helped in the saving of her life.'
It is not clear how wheelchair bound Jessica ended up in the water.
Francesca, another of Mr Casey's daughters, took to social media to thank the 'incredible passers by who stopped to help during the incident at Bude Canal in which my father tragically lost his life rescuing my sister'.
Lawrence Casey, 86, drowned in the Bude Canal in Cornwall at 5.20pm on Wednesday evening. Pictured, with his daughter Jessica
Lawrence Casey, 86, drowned in the Bude Canal in Cornwall at 5.20pm on Wednesday evening
She added: 'We are deeply shocked of course but I am so incredibly heartened by those who helped. My family and I would like to express our deep gratitude for all those involved.'
Jessica was taken to hospital for treatment while a police spokesman confirmed her father had died.
They said: 'The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Mr Casey's daughter Francesca took to social media to thank the 'incredible passers by who stopped to help during the incident at Bude Canal'
'Emergency services were called at 5.20pm to Bude Canal following reports of concern for the welfare of two people in the water.
'A woman in her 20s was pulled from the water by members of the public and taken to hospital by land ambulance.
'A man in his 80s was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.'