A dog lover has died after jumping into a stream to save his beloved pet pooch.
Gianfranco Baldin tried to rescue the animal after it ended up in the water.
The 63-year-old managed to reach the pooch but was then swept away by the strong current.
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Onlookers said he disappeared into the Cormôr stream in San Gervasio di Carlino, north-eastern Italy, within seconds.
He was likely pulled under by a whirlpool, according to local media.
Witnesses called the emergency services immediately, as reported by Need To Know.
Firefighters, a helicopter carrying divers, an air ambulance, and police were dispatched to the scene.
The search was hampered by the strong current and the murky water, which made visibility nearly impossible.
The stream was also swollen by recent heavy rains when the tragedy struck shortly after 6pm on Saturday (24 May).
Only after it was partially drained by a public land reclamation agency was it possible to locate and recover Gianfranco’s body nearly 24 hours later.
Miraculously, his dog was rescued by the firefighters, brought to safety, and is now being looked after.
Gianfranco lived in Tavagnacco but was originally from Novara, north-eastern Italy.
Police are investigating the tragedy.
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