&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Kerala hero dies after giving his life jacket to save 61-year-old in Kannur")
A rescue volunteer who helped in the 2018 floods and 2024 Wayanad landslide tragedy lost his life while saving a man caught in the flood near Meenthully Island in Kannur district on August 1.
R Rajesh, who was also a swimming instructor, gave his own life jacket to the person he had just rescued from the swollen Kariangode river, a decision that cost him his life.
Rajesh got caught in the current of the swollen Kariangode river while leading 61-year-old Benny, a local resident who got swept away in the floodwaters, back to shore. Rajesh’s body was recovered on Tuesday.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday paid tribute to Rajesh while terming the incident as heartbreaking. Satheesan said Rajesh was a dedicated responder who had previously volunteered during past Kerala floods and the Wayanad disaster.
Also Read: Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat
“Rajesh gave away his own life jacket to save a drowning person in Kannur’s Pulingome before succumbing to the floodwaters. His ultimate sacrifice and selfless love for humanity will forever be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. His courage lives on,” the CM said in a post on X.
Trending Stories
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Pradeep Rawat died at 74: Revisit the unforgettable roles that defined his career
)
Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
'Should not be bullied': CJP says movement will expand beyond protests. Politics, or something bigger?
)
WMO warns Super El Niño is set to become monstrous between Aug-Oct - This was 'only a warm-up act'
)
WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
)
Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
'I believe in freedom of expression...': Shashi Tharoor clarifies on attending event where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address Gen Zs
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
)
Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
‘Disputes could help ousted forces make comeback’: Bangladesh PM warns ahead of Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi PC
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Sujatha Vijayakumar? The producer defending daughter Aarti in Ravi Mohan divorce battle
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74 after battle with cancer
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also condoled the death of Rajesh, a native of Thiruvananthapuram.
Chandrasekhar, the BJP MLA from Nemom constituency, said that Rajesh was a hero of the 2018 floods, the 2024 Wayanad disaster and the 2026 floods.
“R Rajesh of Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, was a rescue volunteer and rappelling instructor who answered the call of duty whenever Kerala needed him. He stepped forward during the 2018 floods. He was among the rescuers during the Wayanad landslide tragedy in 2024. And in 2026, he made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“His courage, selflessness and sacrifice will forever be a part of Kerala’s story. My deepest condolences to his wife Lekshmi, his two young sons Arshan and Abhishek, his parents Rajasekharan and Geetha, and all those who loved him. I pray that his family finds the strength to bear this immeasurable loss,” the BJP leader said in a post.
Leader of the Opposition in state assembly Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the swimming instructor’s death.
