Heartbroken family’s warning after man’s river death
Gavin Campbell died after being pulled from the River Wensum in Norwich in the early hours of Sunday, May 31
Last updated 9th Jun 2026
A heartbroken family is warning people to stay out of the water after a Worcester man died after jumping into a river.
Gavin Campbell died after being pulled from the River Wensum in Norwich in the early hours of Sunday, May 31.
The 42-year-old, who was born and brought up in Worcester, had jumped in to cool off after a night out with his boyfriend.
Mr Campbell had moved to Great Yarmouth last year and went down to the beach most nights after work to swim in the sea, according to mum Jane Mallice.
“He’d take his clothes off and dive in the sea,” she said. “I’d ask him ‘don’t you think that’s dangerous?’ and he’d say ‘no, it’s beautiful’.
“He was such a strong swimmer – he was my Peter Pan. He thought he was invincible and was going to live forever.
Mrs Mallice said in the days before her son’s death, she had seen several news stories about young people dying after getting into difficulties in water during the heat wave.
With more hot weather forecast for June, her message is: “Don’t underestimate the strength of the water. The water is a dangerous place.”
Mr Campbell was born in Worcester and grew up in homes in Chestnut Street and Droitwich Road, apart from a few years as a child when the family lived in Australia.
He went to school at St Barnabas and Bishop Perowne, before working at various restaurants and pubs in Ombersley.
“That was his happy place,” said Mrs Mallice, “he was adored in the village.”
He also worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital before starting work with Baywater, a job which took him to Crewe and then Great Yarmouth.
Mr Campbell’s sister Samantha said he made friends wherever he went.
“He had friends all over the world,” she said. “We still have family in Australia, he has friends in Malta – he went on holiday two or three times a year and no-one ever forgot him.
“He was an unforgettable character. He lit up a room and brought people together. He had an infectious laugh.
“Gavin worked hard and partied harder. And he had just found the love of his life – they had been together for eight months.
“I spoke to him two days before he died and he said ‘I’m so happy Sis – I’ve found somebody’. He lived his best life.”
The family is raising money to help cover Mr Campbell’s funeral expenses.
Mr Campbell’s funeral is taking place at the Vale Crematorium on Tuesday, June 30 at 12.30pm and his family say all are welcome.
“We’re going back to the Blackpole Inn afterwards,” said Mrs Mallice. “Nobody is wearing black – Gavin’s favourite colour was blue and he loved life so we’re going to have one last party.
“He had so much life left in him.”
Norfolk Constabulary said a man died after entering a river in Norwich on May 31.
“Police were called at 12.28am to Riverside Road following reports a man had entered the water and not resurfaced,” the force said.
“Emergency services, including fire and ambulance, attended and pulled a man in his 40s from the river. He was taken to hospital but sadly later died.
“The death is not believed to be suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”