Medic father, 60, who 'died a hero' after leaping into the sea to try to save two children was on holiday, devastated family reveal
A heroic medic father tragically lost his life after jumping into the sea in a desperate attempt to save two children who were in trouble in the water.
Alexandru Melei, 60, died on May 25 while on holiday in the seaside town of Ingoldmells, near Skegness, after bravely leaping into the sea to try and rescue two twin girls who 'appeared to be in distress'.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, the coastguard and RNLI crews, rushed to the scene just after 4pm following reports that a man had entered the water close to the Promenade to help two struggling children.
However, he sadly 'got into difficulty' himself and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Now, Alexandru's devastated family has paid tribute to him in a moving statement on a GoFundMe page, describing him as 'selfless, brave, devoted' and revealing that he died as he had lived – helping others.
'On May 25th, while on holiday, my father, Alexandru Melei, lost his life in a final act of unimaginable courage. He drowned while trying to save two twin sisters who were in danger,' the heartbreaking tribute reads.
'He didn't hesitate. He did what he had always done - as a medical assistant, as a father, as a man - he stepped forward to help, even at the cost of his own life. That was who he was: selfless, brave, devoted. He died a hero, but our hearts are shattered.'
The family say Alexandru's wife – his lifelong partner – was with him during his final moments and is 'devastated and lost without him'.
They are now raising funds to repatriate his body so that he can be 'laid to rest with dignity, surrounded by the love of his family and his homeland'.
'We are left with an unbearable void,' the tribute continues. 'From the depths of our grief, we thank you for your kindness, your messages, and your support. May God guide his soul and reward his sacrifice with eternal peace.'
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement, saying: 'A 60-year-old man has sadly died after entering the water to help two children who appeared to be in distress.
'The man reportedly entered the sea just after 4pm today (25 May) close to the Promenade in Ingoldmells, he got into difficulty and sadly died at the scene. Our thoughts are with the man's family and loved ones at this very sad time.'
Lincolnshire Police have not confirmed the identities of the children involved and say the incident is still under investigation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Brave lad, 8, who suffers with underdeveloped arm tries out new prosthetic arm made with Lego design & real blocks
ARM AND A LEGO Tobi's prosthetic arm features pictures of Lego blocks and two real ones he can stick other pieces to Published: 23:20, A YOUNG lad tries out his new prosthetic arm — made with a Lego design and some real blocks. Tobi, eight, had the limb created specially for him at the Portsmouth Enablement Centre. 3 3 He has been a visitor to the unit since he was just six months old to help with his underdeveloped arm. The team works with patients to personalise designs using lamination techniques. Tobi's features pictures of Lego blocks and two real ones he can stick other pieces to. Mum Debra said: 'The care he receives is phenomenal. "They really listen to what Tobi wants and do everything they can to make it happen. "His new Lego-themed arm has been amazing - not only is it helping with everyday tasks, but he loves showing it off. "Most importantly, the team always makes sure Tobi feels included every step of the way. "We couldn't ask for better care, and we're so thankful for everything they do." Lucy Riddle, Prosthetics Clinical Manager at PEC, added: "Every device we make is bespoke. "We work closely with each individual to ensure not only a comfortable fit, but also a design that reflects their personality. Astonishing footage shows world's first prosthetic hand controlled by magnets help amputee move 'simply by thinking' "Both are equally important to a person's confidence and wellbeing. "Our technicians enjoy being creative, whether it's crafting limbs with superhero designs or incorporating family photos, and the biggest reward is seeing the difference it makes to someone's life." 3
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Shoppers gobsmacked after bizarre Land Rover smash leaves one motor mounted on top of another
YOU can't park there madam! Supermarket shoppers are gobsmacked after a car park prang left one motor mounted on top of another. The smash is said to have happened when a woman in a Land Rover reversed into another car, flipping it over and hitting a silver VW Beetle. 4 4 Others pointed out it looked like a modern sculpture. Former Army aircraft technician David Bowden posted pictures on social media, adding: 'It's all happening in Falmouth Sainsbury's. 'It is amazing, like a bit of modern art, or a collapsed game of Jenga.' Mark Carveth joked: 'The winner of the 2025 Turner prize is a sculpture from Falmouth.' Dawn Chittock said: 'Would make a great Specsavers advert.' The incident happened at a Sainsbury's supermarket in Falmouth, Cornwall, on Saturday. A tannoy went out in the store asking for the driver of the blue car to attend the car park - where they were in for a shock. The vehicles were all recovered and no one was hurt. Two people were in one of the vehicles at the time of the crash, but both got out of the vehicle uninjured. Cops said the drivers swapped insurance details at the scene. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We were called to Sainsbury's, Falmouth, car park at around 1.30pm on Saturday 31 May following a report of a three vehicle collision. "Only one vehicle had occupants but both got out of the car uninjured. All vehicles were recovered and insurance details swapped." A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "Emergency services attended an incident in the car park of our Falmouth store on Saturday afternoon. A small section of the car park was closed for a couple of hours and we're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused." 4 4
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island star's SHOCK EXIT as they leave the villa ahead of upcoming series after citing 'personal reasons'
Love Island star Kyle Ashman has left the show ahead of the launch episode next Monday. ITV have confirmed the 23-year-old from Stafford has chosen not to enter the villa and has decided to leave the show for personal reasons. It comes amid The Sun's reports that Kyle was involved in an machete attack in February when masked thugs stormed a wake and hacked at a dad with a blade. Kyle was one of two arrested by police but he was released with no further action and he has now confirmed he had no involvement in the incident, but has chosen to leave the ITV show regardless. Kyle told MailOnline: 'I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Meanwhile ITV added: 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.' The Love Island line up was announced on Tuesday so Kyle's departure will have plunged the show into chaos ahead of Monday's launch episode. The Sun have revealed they alerted bosses on Kyle being questioned in the attack but ITV said they were unaware of the incident and he was not flagged during the contestant checks. The incident on February 28 saw the victim, 38, nearly lose his arm after he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept it for around two weeks. Another mourner was reportedly glassed, one hit with a metal pole, and two people were run over by a car during the 15 minute attack at the The White Eagle Club in Stafford. Sources said the victim was attacked by three balaclava-clad thugs over an alleged £3,000 debt. He was injured by a blade that left him with a deep gash and has suffered tendon damage and is now unable to drive. Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated Kyle and another individual were released with no further action only last month. The incident on February 28 at The White Eagle Club in Stafford saw the victim, 38, nearly lose his arm after he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment A show source told the publication: 'ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks. 'It's only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.' Staffordshire Police said on Monday: 'A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray. 'Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.' Kyle, who works as a water operative, doesn't have a strong social media presence with just one Insta pic on his profile. Prior to his announced departure, Kyle said he was looking for 'someone that's fun, confident and just themselves'.
