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‘Heroic’ Blackpool man dies after jumping into sea to save stranger
Alex was described as ‘intelligent, hardworking, pleasant and caring’ by his loved ones
An ‘amazing’ young man from Blackpool tragically lost his life after attempting to save a stranger who got into difficulty in the sea.
Twenty-two year old Alex Gibson jumped into the icy waters close to Blackpool’s North Pier in the early hours of July 30th after spotting a man struggling to stay afloat, Lancashire Live reported. However, in his efforts to rescue the stranger, Alex himself got into difficulties.
Emergency services rushed to help Alex with HM Coastguard Fleetwood, HM Coastguard Lytham, RNLI Fleetwood, RNLI Blackpool, and a Coastguard rescue helicopter all out looking for him.
Facebook / Alex Gibson
Alex was eventually lifted from the water and taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital – there, however, he tragically passed away.
Since the news of his death, people from the town have rallied around Alex’s family, with a memorial service set to be held next weekend.
C Fresh Fish and Chips, where Alex had worked before his death, closed their doors for the day on Friday after hearing the devastating news.
The business wrote on social media: “Alex was truly an amazing young man. All his friends would agree that he was intelligent, hardworking, pleasant, caring, and literally wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Facebook / Alex Gibson
“He is a true hero, drowned sacrificing his life to help another. He was loved by all his work colleagues, and we miss him terribly.
“Tragically taken at 22. My heart goes out to all his family.”
A GoFundMe page has since been launched to raise funds for Alex’s family and to help pay for funeral costs. The page’s description reads: “The beautiful Alex Gibson, 22, a true hero, sacrificed his life last night in Blackpool, rescuing a boy from the sea.
“A beautiful, caring, loving, son, brother and friend to all who knew him.”