Pair who drowned are named by friends
TWO young men who died after drowning in a river have been named by friends as Samuel Fernandez, 20, and Velly Sousa, 24.
The pair died at the scene after being rescued from the water while swimming with a group of pals.
A friend says Velly had jumped in the water and was drowning and Sam went to save him – but drowned himself.
Coastguards, ambulance and police rushed to Bathampton Bridge, Lower Swainswick, Bath, on Thursday afternoon.
The victim’s friend Luvson D’Costa, 29, was at the scene yesterday to pay respects to the pair who sadly passed away.
He named them as Samuel and Velly and said they were coworkers at a Tesco in nearby Swindon, Wiltshire.
Luvson described them both as “really great guys” and revealed that Velly was engaged to be married later this year.
Luvson, a Honda factory worker, said: “They were just swimming and I think Velley jumped in the water and Sam went after.
“All I know is Velley was drowning and Sam went to save him but drowned himself.
“I used to work with them, I was closer to Sam and Velley was more of a friend of a friend, but they were great guys.
“A group of them who work at Tesco went to enjoy a day out, they’ve been working non stop through the lockdown so wanted to get out for a bit.
“I know Sam could swim, I’m not sure about Velley. They weren’t drinking or anything, it was just a tragic accident.
“I can’t believe it’s happened, it’s not sinking in. It doesn’t feel real.
“I saw Sam two or three days ago. Some of my friends saw him the day that he died, as he finished work.”
Police confirmed on Thursday that two men have died after being ‘lost underwater’ in the river.
A water rescue team was mobilised and a Coastguard helicopter was sent to the scene – the River Avon in Bath, Somerset.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “We are not treating the circumstances around the deaths as suspicious at this time.
“The deaths will be referred to the coroner.”