Brit tourist who drowned in Portugal hotel pool 'died trying to save his friend'

The sister of a British man who tragically drowned in Portugal has revealed he lost his life while heroically attempting to save his best friend.

King Edonmi, 29, and Mo Liasu, 27, both hailing from Ipswich, were discovered at the bottom of a hotel swimming pool in Albufeira and pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday. Emergency services had been called in the early hours and attempted resuscitation, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there is no suspicion of foul play.

It is believed that the friends died in a hotel pool on July 15. A heartfelt memorial with candles, flowers, and tealights forming the names of the men has been created near the flats on Ipswich Waterfront.

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Kemi Edonmi, King's grieving sister, honoured her brother on social media, stating: "My best friend is really gone. Rest in peace to my big brother and his best friend Mo, we love you and will never forget you both. The whole family is comforted by the fact that King died in Christ. From Jesus – For Jesus – Back to Jesus. We shall all meet again."

She disclosed that King perished while endeavouring to rescue Mo. "My brother died trying to save his friend's life," she expressed.

Contrary to some local media speculation, Ms Edonmi firmly denied that the pair had been drinking. She insisted: "My brother and Mo do not drink and were not intoxicated at the time of the incident. Articles with false information and insensitive comments don't know the pain they're causing the people closest to King and Mo."

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office commented: "We are supporting the families of two British men who have died in Portugal and are in contact with the local authorities."

A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of both the men, who "brought light into every room they entered". So far it has has amassed over £22,000 to assist with the costs of bringing their bodies back home.

The page's heartfelt message reads: "A tribute from the online fundraiser said: "On what was meant to be a joyful holiday in Portugal, our two dear friends Mo and King tragically lost their lives, less than 24 hours after arriving.

"What was supposed to be sunshine and laughter turned into heartbreak no one could have imagined. They were brothers to many. Gentle, kind-hearted souls who brought light into every room they entered. The kind of people who would drop everything to help you, no questions asked.

"They were warm, loyal, funny and full of dreams. The sort of men you never hear a bad word about because there simply were none. They were deeply devoted to their families, their friends and their faith. And now, all of that has been taken so suddenly and so unfairly."

Portugal's Policia Judiciaria, responsible for criminal investigations, has stated that the incident is not being viewed with suspicion. Their spokesperson commented: "The inspection of the scene revealed no evidence of criminal activity. Witnesses to the events were interviewed, confirming the investigation's belief that it was an accident."