Sam Rigby, 22, died on July 17 last year after he and his girlfriend, Olivia Greenall, went for a swim in Lake Como in northern Italy, an inquest into his death heard
A young man tragically lost his life in Italy while attempting to save his girlfriend from drowning.
Hero Sam Rigby, 22, from St Helens, plunged into Lake Como after his girlfriend, Olivia Greenall, found herself in trouble while swimming. The couple were reportedly sailing towards Menaggio in Lombardy, northern Italy, when they decided to take a dip on July 17 last year. An inquest revealed that Mr Rigby entered the water after Ms Greenall, 19, “got into difficulty” upon leaving their hired motorboat for a swim.
Coroner Julie Goulding stated: “The water was cold, deep and had currents. Both Sam and his partner got into difficulty and were unable to extricate themselves from the water and back onto the boat.” The pair cried out for help and Ms Greenall was saved by a passing boat. However, Mr Rigby was reportedly swept away by the strong current.
Emergency services conducted an extensive search of the area, with Mr Rigby’s body being recovered later that day following the deployment of two helicopters and a team of divers. Concluding the case as accidental death, Ms Goulding said: “A comprehensive police investigation followed and subsequently the boat was released. Life rings had been available on the boat and it was in good working order. The police/carabinieri investigation found no culpability on the part of any persons,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
“The boat was hired on a two-hour basis and a bottle of wine and two cans of alcohol were found on the boat. The tragedy that unfolded on the lake led to the accidental death of Sam.”
In a heartfelt tribute, former head teacher Catherine Twist from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School shared: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School go out to Sam and Liv’s families at this tragic time. Both students epitomised our school motto of living life in all its fullness.”
Following Mr Rigby’s untimely passing, friends and family took to social media to express their sorrow. Callum Hill posted on Facebook: “RIP Sam no matter where you are you’re always my annoying little cousin who always wanted to go on video games with me and kept asking your mum for me to go round to yours.
“What I wouldn’t give for us to be that age again just to have one last convo about absolutely anything, miss you mate. Thinking about you all heart goes out to your missus too mate, until I see you again.”
Brandon Lyon also paid his respects online: “RIP Sam Rigby taken away too soon literally was sat with you on Monday before you went away, never take anything for granted you will be missed.”
Jamie Appleton added: “R.I.P Sam Rigby gone way too soon bro thoughts are with your family.”
