LEIGH Pitt drowned after jumping into a canal in a bid to save a nine-year-old-boy who had fallen in.
Firefighters and police were called to the canal in Whinchat Road, Thamesmead, at 5.20pm on June 7 after reports of a man and child being in the water.
London Ambulance Service pulled Mr Pitt from the water but he was pronounced dead at Lewisham Hospital at 6.42pm that day.
The boy, Harley Bagnall-Taylor, of Whinchat Road, was taken to hospital, believed to be suffering from hypothermia.
He has since been released.
If you would like to pay tribute to Mr Pitt or post a message of condolence, add your comments below.
1:15pm Monday 11th June 2007
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CommentPosted by: Shamir Shah, Harrow on 1:47pm Mon 11 Jun 07
A tragic loss of a courageous and much loved man. May his soul rest in peace.[bold]bold[/bold]
A tragic loss of a courageous and much loved man. May his soul rest in peace.
Posted by: Alex Pedley, East london on 2:12pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Leigh you lost your life in the most heroic way. I'm proud of you. Miss you mate. x
Leigh you lost your life in the most heroic way. I'm proud of you. Miss you mate. x
Posted by: Rayna Malde, london on 2:37pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Leigh you were so brave and we are all so proud of you. Rest in peace. You will be missed greatly.xx
Leigh you were so brave and we are all so proud of you. Rest in peace. You will be missed greatly.xx
Posted by: Greg Nutley, London on 4:44pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Leigh, you were a good man and an even better friend, I'm so proud of you for doing something so brave. Rest in peace fella I'll miss you x
Leigh, you were a good man and an even better friend, I'm so proud of you for doing something so brave. Rest in peace fella I'll miss you x
Posted by: lucy washbourne, south east london on 5:24pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Rest in peace leigh. Our life time friend.our thoughts are with Nicky and the rest of Leighs family. God bless you Leigh. lucy and jamie washbourne xx
Rest in peace leigh. Our life time friend.our thoughts are with Nicky and the rest of Leighs family. God bless you Leigh. lucy and jamie washbourne xx
Posted by: steven bygrave, london se on 9:04pm Mon 11 Jun 07
rip leigh, you will be deepley missed mate.. my condolences go out to nicky and the pitt family
rip leigh, you will be deepley missed mate.. my condolences go out to nicky and the pitt family
Posted by: Prasul, North London on 9:10pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Captain Pitt...you will be dearly missed. I remember the time you tried to teach me fishing! Will miss making the mushrooms specially for you... Fond memories will cherish forever... Be in peace where ever you are.
Captain Pitt...you will be dearly missed. I remember the time you tried to teach me fishing! Will miss making the mushrooms specially for you... Fond memories will cherish forever... Be in peace where ever you are.
Posted by: Garv Galaiya, North London on 9:26pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Thank you very much for the book... and the photographs of me that you printed always... will cherish forever. I will miss my one and only heroic 'LALJI' fua... I pray to god to rest your soul in peace.
Thank you very much for the book... and the photographs of me that you printed always... will cherish forever. I will miss my one and only heroic 'LALJI' fua... I pray to god to rest your soul in peace.
Posted by: Rimple Shah, North London on 9:34pm Mon 11 Jun 07
Mr. Lal... this kind of selfless action is typical you. You were a kind, loving and caring person and we shall all miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.
Mr. Lal... this kind of selfless action is typical you. You were a kind, loving and caring person and we shall all miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.
Posted by: anon, London on 9:49pm Mon 11 Jun 07
From Leigh's fiancee
and the Pitt Family - Thank you so much for your kind words at this extremely sad time. R.I.P. MY HERO - your legacy will live on!!!
From Leigh's fiancee
and the Pitt Family - Thank you so much for your kind words at this extremely sad time. R.I.P. MY HERO - your legacy will live on!!!
Posted by: yasmin, Watford on 10:49pm Mon 11 Jun 07
when we last met in watford our kids really enjoyed having you around we had such fun, the walk through cassiobury park,coffee & cake at the cha cha cha. We will cherish these memories forever.A true diamond,you will be dearly missed. Our condolences go out to Leigh's family and fiancee.May your soul rest in peace our dear friend. Affy & Yasmin. x x
when we last met in watford our kids really enjoyed having you around we had such fun, the walk through cassiobury park,coffee & cake at the cha cha cha. We will cherish these memories forever.A true diamond,you will be dearly missed. Our condolences go out to Leigh's family and fiancee.May your soul rest in peace our dear friend. Affy & Yasmin. x x
Posted by: Chetna, London on 2:12am Tue 12 Jun 07
Dear Leigh
Thank you so much for being part of my sister's life! My family and I are proud and honoured to have known you. You made a difference to so many peoples lives and your last actions prove just that! Will never forget your cheeky smile which bought so much joy to everyone who met you. You will be missed.
May you rest in peace and continue to make people smile whereever you are... xxx
Dear Leigh
Thank you so much for being part of my sister's life! My family and I are proud and honoured to have known you. You made a difference to so many peoples lives and your last actions prove just that! Will never forget your cheeky smile which bought so much joy to everyone who met you. You will be missed.
May you rest in peace and continue to make people smile whereever you are... xxx
Posted by: Paul & Kruti, Harrow on 10:29am Tue 12 Jun 07
Leigh was a wonderful man and it’s not surprising that he would have risked his own life for someone else. It was a real honour to have known him. Our thoughts are with his fiancee, family and friends at this time.
Leigh was a wonderful man and it’s not surprising that he would have risked his own life for someone else. It was a real honour to have known him. Our thoughts are with his fiancee, family and friends at this time.
Posted by: Mike Contractor, Thamesmead on 2:10pm Tue 12 Jun 07
From your neighbours who regret they did not get to know you better - What you did was incredibly brave and courageous and a child lives on because of your selfless act. Our thoughts are with Leigh’s fiancée, family and friends at this time. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Mike, Pav and little Sam from number 11
From your neighbours who regret they did not get to know you better - What you did was incredibly brave and courageous and a child lives on because of your selfless act. Our thoughts are with Leigh’s fiancée, family and friends at this time. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Mike, Pav and little Sam from number 11
Posted by: val, thamesmead on 5:07pm Tue 12 Jun 07
i didnt no you leigh,but i no your dad charlie,who i no must be in bits ,god bless you rest in peace ,and all our love to your family at this sad time val and family x x x [italic]italic[/italic]
i didnt no you leigh,but i no your dad charlie,who i no must be in bits ,god bless you rest in peace ,and all our love to your family at this sad time val and family x x x
Posted by: anon, london on 11:03pm Tue 12 Jun 07
[quote][bold]Mike Contractor[/bold] wrote:
From your neighbours who regret they did not get to know you better - What you did was incredibly brave and courageous and a child lives on because of your selfless act. Our thoughts are with Leigh’s fiancée, family and friends at this time. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Mike, Pav and little Sam from number 11[/quote] Thank you for kind words and support. Leigh's Fiancee
Mike Contractor wrote:
From your neighbours who regret they did not get to know you better - What you did was incredibly brave and courageous and a child lives on because of your selfless act. Our thoughts are with Leigh’s fiancée, family and friends at this time. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Mike, Pav and little Sam from number 11
Thank you for kind words and support. Leigh's Fiancee
Posted by: anon, London on 11:14pm Tue 12 Jun 07
From Leigh's Fiancee and Pitt Family - Thank you for your kind words and support. Also thank you to all the kind people who have been to the memorial by the canal to pay your respects and also those who have left messages. Thank to you all the unsung HEROES that helped. May GOD BLESS U.
From Leigh's Fiancee and Pitt Family - Thank you for your kind words and support. Also thank you to all the kind people who have been to the memorial by the canal to pay your respects and also those who have left messages. Thank to you all the unsung HEROES that helped. May GOD BLESS U.
Posted by: Kris Lee, East London on 4:23pm Wed 13 Jun 07
[italic]Leigh, you were a good and kind man who was always smiling and up for a laugh your memory will live on mate.[/italic]
Leigh, you were a good and kind man who was always smiling and up for a laugh your memory will live on mate. Posted by: nicky pitt, ....................
.............. on 6:45pm Wed 13 Jun 07
FOR MY BROTHER YOU NEVER HAD TO DO WHAT YOU DONE TO HAVE BEEN A HERO TO ME YOU WERE ALWAYS THAT ANYWAY!YOU WERE AND ARE ALL THAT I WANTED TO BE BUT NEVER COULD BE BECAUSE YOU ARE A 1 OFF YOUR MY SPECIAL BABY BROTHER AND NOW YOUR GONE I HAVE DEFINATELY LOST THE BETTER PART OF ME? I KNOW YOU KNEW I WAS BY YOUR SIDE AND I TAKE COMFORT KNOWING THIS BIG KISS TO MUM AS I KNOW YOU ARE NOW TOGETHER AGAIN? TILL NEXT TIME WE MEET YOUR FOREVER IN MY HEART! YOUR BIG BRO NICK XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
FOR MY BROTHER YOU NEVER HAD TO DO WHAT YOU DONE TO HAVE BEEN A HERO TO ME YOU WERE ALWAYS THAT ANYWAY!YOU WERE AND ARE ALL THAT I WANTED TO BE BUT NEVER COULD BE BECAUSE YOU ARE A 1 OFF YOUR MY SPECIAL BABY BROTHER AND NOW YOUR GONE I HAVE DEFINATELY LOST THE BETTER PART OF ME? I KNOW YOU KNEW I WAS BY YOUR SIDE AND I TAKE COMFORT KNOWING THIS BIG KISS TO MUM AS I KNOW YOU ARE NOW TOGETHER AGAIN? TILL NEXT TIME WE MEET YOUR FOREVER IN MY HEART! YOUR BIG BRO NICK XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Posted by: Donna & Family, Norfolk on 10:40pm Wed 13 Jun 07
Leigh you lived a Hero & died a Hero R.I.P ****
Leigh you lived a Hero & died a Hero R.I.P ****
Posted by: West Thamesmead Riverside, West Thamesmead on 3:21pm Thu 14 Jun 07
My condolences to Leigh's family and fiancee. I am so sorry for your loss. I recognised Leigh's face from this area, but I know none of you, but nonetheless my words are heartfelt.
He was a brave and selfless person that is not a common thing today.A great loss to not only his family but also to this community.
My condolences to Leigh's family and fiancee. I am so sorry for your loss. I recognised Leigh's face from this area, but I know none of you, but nonetheless my words are heartfelt.
He was a brave and selfless person that is not a common thing today.A great loss to not only his family but also to this community.
Posted by: Mandy, Biggin Hill on 3:47pm Thu 14 Jun 07
My thoughts and prayers are with Leigh's Fiancee, family & friends. What a hero - this world needs more people like him.
Rest in peace Leigh.
My thoughts and prayers are with Leigh's Fiancee, family & friends. What a hero - this world needs more people like him.
Rest in peace Leigh.
Posted by: Ashwin Shah, Wembley on 5:14pm Thu 14 Jun 07
Although I met Leigh only a few times, I liked him a great deal. He was a brave man who risked his own life to save the life of a young boy.May his soul rest in eternal peace. My thoughts are primarily with H. and her Mum and Brother and also with Leigh's Dad and all his family.I shall never forget Leigh.
Although I met Leigh only a few times, I liked him a great deal. He was a brave man who risked his own life to save the life of a young boy.May his soul rest in eternal peace. My thoughts are primarily with H. and her Mum and Brother and also with Leigh's Dad and all his family.I shall never forget Leigh.
Posted by: Daniel Gaines on 7:02pm Thu 14 Jun 07
my thoughts go out to your dad and your bro.
Im absolutely gutted and cant believe your gone mate.
R.I.P Leigh ,always in my thoughts bro.
my thoughts go out to your dad and your bro.
Im absolutely gutted and cant believe your gone mate.
R.I.P Leigh ,always in my thoughts bro.
Posted by: Leigh's Fiancee, London on 7:45pm Thu 14 Jun 07
Meri Jhan - We had such a short time together but every moment was priceless because it was with YOU! You are my soulmate, my life, my love! My HERO! I love u with all my heart. Every single day, every step I take, I'll be missing YOU!!!! Baby, I'll see you when I get there xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxx
Meri Jhan - We had such a short time together but every moment was priceless because it was with YOU! You are my soulmate, my life, my love! My HERO! I love u with all my heart. Every single day, every step I take, I'll be missing YOU!!!! Baby, I'll see you when I get there xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxx
Posted by: NC, London on 11:43pm Thu 14 Jun 07
Leigh - it was a privilege to have known you. You will be greatly missed
Leigh - it was a privilege to have known you. You will be greatly missed
Posted by: Diana Hames, Dartford on 10:51am Fri 15 Jun 07
Leigh, I have only just found out and my thoughts are with your fiancee and family! You were such a lively soul with great spirit, rest in peace darlin x
Leigh, I have only just found out and my thoughts are with your fiancee and family! You were such a lively soul with great spirit, rest in peace darlin x
Posted by: mark edwards, blackburn on 7:45pm Sun 17 Jun 07
HEMA, NICK & CHARLIE THINKING OF YOU ALL AT THIS SAD TIME, SORRY CANT BE WITH YOU BUT WE TAKE COMFORT OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER AT THE FAMILY DAYS.GOD BLESS YOU LEIGH,
MARK,MICHELLE & boys
x x x x
HEMA, NICK & CHARLIE THINKING OF YOU ALL AT THIS SAD TIME, SORRY CANT BE WITH YOU BUT WE TAKE COMFORT OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER AT THE FAMILY DAYS.GOD BLESS YOU LEIGH,
MARK,MICHELLE & boys
x x x x
Posted by: Nish Shah, Northampton, UK on 7:37pm Mon 18 Jun 07
Courageous, brave, selfless and kind are all words describing this wonderful soul. Rest in peace Leigh. My thoughts are with Leigh's fiancee, family and friends.
Courageous, brave, selfless and kind are all words describing this wonderful soul. Rest in peace Leigh. My thoughts are with Leigh's fiancee, family and friends.
Posted by: Tammy Clark, london on 1:14pm Fri 22 Jun 07
[bold]bold[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic] Leigh im gonna miss your great smile & your wonderful ways you will never be forgotten & always be remembered as a True Hero.... All my love to Leigh's Fiancee & the Pitt Family at this time.....XX
Leigh im gonna miss your great smile & your wonderful ways you will never be forgotten & always be remembered as a True Hero.... All my love to Leigh's Fiancee & the Pitt Family at this time.....XX
Posted by: Adam Baker, SE London on 2:04pm Fri 22 Jun 07
Nicky, you know i am always there for you if you need a shoulder and a best mate to lean on. Still can't fully believe Leigh has gone. My heart goes out to you, your beautiful family, Leigh's fiancee and your dad, Charlie. Much love mate.
Nicky, you know i am always there for you if you need a shoulder and a best mate to lean on. Still can't fully believe Leigh has gone. My heart goes out to you, your beautiful family, Leigh's fiancee and your dad, Charlie. Much love mate.
Posted by: lin, bromley on 9:40am Thu 28 Jun 07
i have just read the story about leigh,i didnt know leigh. but wow what a coragious man.condolonces to all his family and friends.may he rest in peace.
i have just read the story about leigh,i didnt know leigh. but wow what a coragious man.condolonces to all his family and friends.may he rest in peace.
Posted by: Susan Jones, London on 11:33am Thu 28 Jun 07
I used to work with Leigh and his fiancee, and will never forget how kind they were when I was diagnosed with cancer. They were so very kind, and even gave me a precious keepsake that they had, to keep me safe. I have never forgotten that, and will always remember them both. Much love.
I used to work with Leigh and his fiancee, and will never forget how kind they were when I was diagnosed with cancer. They were so very kind, and even gave me a precious keepsake that they had, to keep me safe. I have never forgotten that, and will always remember them both. Much love.
Posted by: Anon on 11:07am Tue 10 Jul 07
Selfless and brave, what Leigh did was the ultimate act of caring.
Selfless and brave, what Leigh did was the ultimate act of caring.
Posted by: kay, hampshire on 7:10pm Tue 10 Jul 07
im a friend of steve(ruffstuff),met him few years ago,had so many laughs..can not belive his gone..r.i.p cecil...kay from the wicked fm days..****
im a friend of steve(ruffstuff),met him few years ago,had so many laughs..can not belive his gone..r.i.p cecil...kay from the wicked fm days..****
Posted by: Trish, London on 12:34pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Lee, I was sad and shocked to hear what happened. I am not surprised though that you died in this heroic way. Rest in peace mate. It was a pleasure to know you.
Lee, I was sad and shocked to hear what happened. I am not surprised though that you died in this heroic way. Rest in peace mate. It was a pleasure to know you.
Posted by: Dee, Essex on 2:05pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Leigh I never had the privelage of meeting you, but I know you made my friend very happy and am sad that I never got to meet you. May you RIP and you both be reunited later on. Dee x
Leigh I never had the privelage of meeting you, but I know you made my friend very happy and am sad that I never got to meet you. May you RIP and you both be reunited later on. Dee x
Posted by: helen, penge on 11:10pm Wed 3 Oct 07
didnt no you but you sound like a great bloke someone to be proud of.
didnt no you but you sound like a great bloke someone to be proud of.
Posted by: mina and danny, lancashire on 6:06pm Tue 19 Feb 08
leigh u were so brave we will always love you xx[bold]bold[/bold]
leigh u were so brave we will always love you xx
Posted by: Mariame, London on 10:53pm Sat 7 Jun 08
Dear Leigh, Thank you for all the fun and laughter. I hope you are at peace. Missing you loads, x.
Dear Leigh, Thank you for all the fun and laughter. I hope you are at peace. Missing you loads, x.
Posted by: Sally, South London on 9:05pm Mon 14 Jul 08
I went to school with Leigh, I'm so shocked of his death, but such a hero for what he did. Thoughts are with your family. RIP.xx
I went to school with Leigh, I'm so shocked of his death, but such a hero for what he did. Thoughts are with your family. RIP.xx
Posted by: Margaret Edwards, Princess Alice way on 5:00pm Thu 2 Oct 08
I live in the next block of flats 6-12 Princess Alice Way overlooking the riverfront and canal. I was In Australia at the time but since learning about your heroic act of saving a child's life I just want to say how grateful I am to have lived so close to someone so special; your actions are a reminder for us all of the compassion and selflessness that exists. I often look down to the canal and think of you. I would be very willing to help organise a small placque erected at the site to help others know of what happened there if your family and friends are interested. Please contact me if this is something you would like. There are several young children who love playing outside; through your actions at least the area has been made a little safer for them too.
Eternally grateful
Margaret and family
0208-3166602
I live in the next block of flats 6-12 Princess Alice Way overlooking the riverfront and canal. I was In Australia at the time but since learning about your heroic act of saving a child's life I just want to say how grateful I am to have lived so close to someone so special; your actions are a reminder for us all of the compassion and selflessness that exists. I often look down to the canal and think of you. I would be very willing to help organise a small placque erected at the site to help others know of what happened there if your family and friends are interested. Please contact me if this is something you would like. There are several young children who love playing outside; through your actions at least the area has been made a little safer for them too.
Eternally grateful
Margaret and family
0208-3166602
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