Sam Rigby and his girlfriend Olivia Greenall had reportedly stopped for a swim when they got into difficulties
11:07, 19 Jul 2024Updated 11:21, 19 Jul 2024
A British tourist who drowned in an Italian lake has been named as a St Helens man. Sam Rigby is said to have got into difficulty while swimming in Lake Como with his girlfriend, Olivia Greenall, on Wednesday, July 17.
The 22-year-old and his partner were reportedly sailing towards the town of Menaggio when they stopped for a swim. The couple were then heard shouting for help as they struggled in the strong current of the lake. Mr Rigby was said to have been swept away while Miss Greenall, 19, helplessly looked on. A passing boat helped her to safety and raised the alarm.
An intensive search of the area was carried out by emergency services. Mr Rigby’s body was recovered from the water later that day after two helicopters and a team of divers were drafted in to help with the search. It is understood Miss Greenall was taken to hospital where she was treated for shock. An investigation into Mr Rigby’s death has been launched by Menaggio police.
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Sam and Olivia’s former school, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, paid tribute on Friday. Headteacher Catherine Twist told the ECHO: “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.”
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Sam’s family and friends took to Facebook to pay tribute. Callum Hill wrote: “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 posted: “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 said: “R.I.P Sam Rigby gone way too soon bro thoughts are with your family.”
A spokesman for the UK Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”
A local police spokesperson said: “They appear to have dived into the water but their boat was carried away and they were unable to get back to it. Unfortunately, many tourists are unaware of the dangers on Lake Como, you have to be very careful.”