A MAN has died after jumping into a canal in a bid to save his disabled daughter.
Lawrence Casey, 86, entered the Bude Canal in Cornwall to rescue his daughter Jessica after she had lost control of her mobility scooter and plunged into the water.
Members of the public were able to help her from the canal, however her father was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement to BBC News, Mr Casey's family described his actions as a 'final act of love'.
"He was devoted to the care of his disabled daughter and his final act of love as a father was to sacrifice his life to save hers," read the statement.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to members of the public who also selflessly helped in the saving of her life."
The tragedy happened at around 5.20pm on Wednesday.
"A woman in her 20s [was] pulled from the water by members of the public and was taken to hospital by land ambulance," said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman.
"A man in his 80s was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
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