An 86-year-old father died while trying to save his daughter with mobility issues from drowning.
Lawrence Casey and his 27-year-old daughter Jessica were strolling along the Bude Canal in Cornwall, England, when the young lady who has cerebral palsy lost control of her mobility scooter and plunged into the icy water.
In an attempt to save his daughter from drowning, Mr. Casey jumped into the water. Despite his best efforts, the elderly man passed away.
Jessica, who managed to stay afloat, was eventually pulled out of the canal by passersby, the inquest heard.
“On the day in question I have been told by Jessica she and Lawrence went for a walk along Bude Canal,” Jessica’s mother, Ruth, said as she called Lawrence a good father even though their marriage didn’t work out in their favor.
“Jessica told me that somehow she went into the canal while on her mobility scooter. Jessica also told me that Daddy couldn’t swim and that she could swim, and she told me that Daddy then sank.
“I know that Lawrence can swim, and he was a very strong swimmer. Since Lawrence’s death Jessica’s account of what happened has changed several times because of discussions she’s heard between family members trying to piece together what could have happened.”
Speaking of her relationship with Lawrence, Ruth also revealed that the man was a father-of-nine who served in the Royal Air Force before starting his own business.
“Our marriage broke down, but we always remained on very good terms. Lawrence cared for Jessica impeccably well and he was always a great support,” he added.
“He and Jessica were very close, and he took her out most days for exercise and socialization.”
Addressing the inquest was also fisherman David Flay who apologized for not being able to save the man’s life after pulling the pair out of the water.
“At no point did I hear Jessica tell anybody what had happened. I now assume that she went into the water and the male, her dad, had gone in after her to rescue her. I have never been involved in anything like this before,” he said.
“I am not first aid trained but I did everything I could to save that man’s life and I am truly sorry we were unable to.”
Following a post-mortem, Mr. Casey’s death was ruled accidental. Our hearts go out to the father’s family and friends.
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