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Volunteer Drowns Saving Friends; £40k Fundraiser Launched

6/5/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Rushabh Patel drowned after jumping into the River Great Ouse while rescuing two friends on 24 May.
Four Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue crews responded to the incident.
Patel was airlifted to Milton Keynes University Hospital where he died on 28 May.
A crowdfunding campaign raised more than £40,000.
His funeral at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes was attended by his parents and wife, who recalled his forklift work and fatherhood.

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Story summary

Rushabh Patel drowned after jumping into the River Great Ouse while rescuing two friends on 24 May.
Four Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue crews responded to the incident.
Patel was airlifted to Milton Keynes University Hospital where he died on 28 May.
A crowdfunding campaign raised more than £40,000.
His funeral at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes was attended by his parents and wife, who recalled his forklift work and fatherhood.