A British amateur boxer, Paul Lebihan, is reportedly dead after drowning in a Spanish river in Benidorm while attempting to save his dog.
The former Royal Navy sailor, died on Monday, May 9, after getting into trouble in the Bolulla river, which has claimed the lives of three other individuals in the last month, according to Mail Online.
He was dragged out of the water unconscious at a waterfall near Fuentes del Algar, a renowned tourist attraction around a half-hour drive north of Benidorm.
According to local sources, the Briton died while attempting to save his dog, an act that his family described as selfless. He can be seen cuddling up with his beloved dog in one of his Facebook photos.
He was washed away by the current, according to a police source, after he drowned.
As part of the emergency response, a chopper carrying firefighters, cops, and paramedics was dispatched.
Attempts to resuscitate the victim were unsuccessful, and he was declared dead on the spot. According to local sources, onlookers attempted CPR on him until specialists arrived to take over.
Friends and family took to Facebook to express their grief at the situation.
His cousin said, “Paul was an amazing, selfless man with a heart of gold, always the biggest laugh and the very best to be around.’
One of his friends, Lee Garretto, “Gutted to hear the sad news. RIP bro. Glad we got out to Spain last year and came to see you.
“Top top lad with a heart of gold. Thoughts are with the family at this sad time. Keep that smile shining up there pal.”
Another friend, Lewis Thompson said, “Absolutely gutted writing this. All the laughs and memories we had together I’ll never forget.
“You could enter any room and the place would light up. You were an absolute diamond. Love you brother.”
A relative, Lisa Lebihan said, “No words can describe how we are feeling. Absolutely devastated. Gone far too soon but never will be forgotten. RIP Paul son.”
