Alex Gibson, 22, died after getting into difficulty in the Irish Sea off the coast of the seaside town popular with tourists. The tragedy happened at around 4.20am on Friday morning when he noticed a person struggling in the water opposite the Metropole Hotel on Princess Parade near the North Pier. Emergency services including two coastguard teams, two RNLI crews and a coastguard helicopter scrambled to the scene.
Mr Gibson was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but sadly passed away.
He had been on a night out with friends when he noticed the stranger in trouble in the water.
After going to the aid of the person, who managed to swim out of the sea, Mr Gibson got into difficulty.
His aunt Kaz McDevitt, 40, said: “The other person managed to crawl out, but Alex couldn’t even swim.
“I wasn’t surprised that he did it. It wasn’t out of character for Alex, because he was such a genuine, caring person.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from Alex. He would put someone else before himself any time.”
His heartbroken colleagues at C Fresh Fish and Chips in Lytham Road, Blackpool, expressed their condolences.
The shop closed on Friday as staff mourned the loss and the business posted a tribute to the young man online.
It read: “Alex was truly an amazing young man.
“All his friends would agree that he was intelligent, hardworking, pleasant, caring, and literally wouldn’t hurt a fly.
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A local pub owner named Hamish Howitt has launched a fundraising campaign to help Mr Gibson’s family pay for funeral costs.
So far, more than £3,500 has been raised on the GoFundMe page.
Mr Howitt said Mr Gibson was a “true hero” who “sacrificed his life” rescuing a stranger.
He added: “A beautiful, caring, loving, son, brother and friend to all who knew him.
“Please help by donating for a beautiful send off for a true hero.
“First £500 will be donated by our family. God bless to all.”
One young woman who donated on the page posted a photo of herself and the victim.
She said she felt “heartbroken to hear the news” and added: “RIP Alex. Rest in paradise.”
A public memorial has been planned for next Saturday for family and friends of Mr Gibson to gather together.
It will take place at 7pm at North Pier.
Organiser Siobhan Rosie urged people to bring “flowers, balloons and bucket hats”
She added: “Let’s show Alex the love and how proud we are for saving a life.”
