What started as a joyful getaway for two lifelong friends from Ipswich ended in unimaginable tragedy just hours after they arrived in Portugal.
The vacation that was meant to be filled with sunshine and laughter took a devastating turn, leaving their loved ones in mourning.
Less Than a Day in Paradise Before Tragedy Struck
King Edonmi and his close friend Mo, 27, had traveled to the popular resort town of Albufeira earlier this week, full of excitement for a relaxing break with friends.
But within 24 hours of arriving, both young men sadly drowned in a hotel swimming pool under heartbreaking circumstances.
According to a fundraising page launched by their devastated friends, the pair had just settled into their holiday when disaster struck.
“What was supposed to be sunshine and laughter turned into heartbreak no one could have imagined,” the emotional tribute read.
Remembered as Gentle Souls With Big Hearts
Both King and Mo have been remembered by those closest to them as kind-hearted, loyal, and deeply principled men.
They were the type of friends who made every room feel warmer just by walking in.
“They were warm, loyal, funny and full of dreams. The sort of men you never hear a bad word about,” their tribute continued.
Friends described the two as being incredibly close to their families, grounded in their faith, and respected by everyone who knew them.
Awande Luthuli, who knew them well, spoke to Portuguese media, describing the men as “loving, cheerful, and respectful, truly good souls without a trace of malice.”
He added that they had chosen not to drink and lived by strong personal values.
Final Conversations Full of Joy and Anticipation
Another friend shared on Facebook that he had spoken to King and Mo just a few days before they boarded their flight, and both were thrilled about the trip.
It was supposed to be a chance to unwind and reconnect with friends, some of whom lived in Portugal.
They had joined a larger group and had plans for a fun, peaceful escape.
The tragic events of July 15, however, cut those plans short.
Emergency Response Couldn’t Save Them
According to local media, the pair entered the pool in the early hours of July 15.
Emergency crews were called to the hotel but, despite their efforts, were unable to revive the two men.
Portuguese authorities confirmed that the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has since confirmed they are in contact with the victims’ families and are offering support as they navigate this painful time.
A Community Comes Together to Honor Their Memory
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help bring the young men home and support their families.
The fundraiser has already collected £12,000 out of a £20,000 target as the community rallies to show their love and solidarity.
The messages left on the page have echoed the same themes—King and Mo were positive, loving men who had so much more life left to live.
Another Sad Chapter in a String of Algarve Tragedies
This heartbreaking incident is the latest in a series of tragic deaths involving British tourists in the Algarve region.
Just a few months ago, 38-year-old Greg Monks from Glasgow was found dead after a night out during a stag weekend in the same town, Albufeira.
It’s believed he may have fallen down a steep hillside after trying to jump over a wall.
His disappearance sparked a widespread search involving his family and girlfriend, who flew in to help.
Sadly, just hours before his body was found, another young British tourist was also discovered dead behind a residential block near the Old Town area.
And a year earlier, in July 2023, yet another British tourist, 27, drowned at a hotel in Albufeira—this time at the Paraiso Hotel.
What Lies Ahead for Grieving Families and Friends?
As families come to terms with the shocking loss of their loved ones, there is a growing call for more safety measures and awareness among tourists, especially in resorts popular with young travelers.
While the beauty of places like Albufeira draws in countless visitors each year, the string of tragedies serves as a painful reminder that even dream vacations can turn into nightmares in an instant.
The hope now is that King, Mo, and the others who lost their lives are remembered not just for how they died—but for the joy, values, and kindness they brought into the world.