Tragedy struck a holiday resort in Albufeira, Portugal, on the early morning of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, when two British friends, Mo Liasu, 27, and King Edonmi, 29, were found dead at the bottom of a hotel swimming pool. The pair, who had arrived less than 24 hours earlier for what was meant to be a joyful holiday, were discovered by a friend who immediately alerted authorities. Emergency services arrived at around 4 a.m. and attempted to revive them, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Portuguese police, there were no signs of foul play. A spokesperson from the Policia Judiciaria, Portugal's Criminal Investigation Police, confirmed that the bodies were found at about 4:30 a.m. Officials from Portugal’s National Republican Guard were the first on the scene. "We went to the swimming pool and found CSI work there. There is no criminal evidence involved in the deaths of the two British citizens," the spokesperson said. The exact cause of death will be determined by the national medical cabinet in Portugal.
Local Portuguese media reported that the men drowned at the Duas Palmeiras by LovelyStay apartment complex, where they were staying. Authorities suspect the pair had been drinking and did not know how to swim. The two men were reportedly on holiday with a group of friends, hoping to enjoy the sun and laughter of a summer getaway.
Mo and King were from Ipswich in Suffolk, England, and their sudden deaths have sent shockwaves through their community. Heartfelt tributes have poured in from friends and family, describing them as "gentle, kind-hearted souls who brought light into every room they entered." The GoFundMe page set up in their memory says, "They were brothers to many. The kind of people who would drop everything to help you, no questions asked. They were warm, loyal, funny and full of dreams. The sort of men you never hear a bad word about because there simply were none."
Friends and family have been left grappling not only with the grief of losing Mo and King so suddenly but also with the financial burden of repatriating their bodies back to the UK. The GoFundMe campaign, launched shortly after the tragedy, has already raised over £22,000—surpassing its initial target of £20,000—to cover the costs of legal paperwork, funeral care overseas, and transport home. As the fundraiser explains, "The cost to repatriate Mo and King exceeds £10,000, a sum no family is ever prepared for."
Floral tributes and candles have been left near flats on Ipswich Waterfront, where friends and loved ones commemorated the two men. Tealights arranged to spell out "Mo" and "King" along with a heart symbolize the enduring love and friendship they inspired. One tribute reads, "Gone too soon but never forgotten. Your spirit lives on in every shared memory and quiet moment. These flowers are a symbol of the love and friendship that will always remain." Another says, "In loving memory of a bro whose kindness, laughter and warmth will never be forgotten. These flowers are a small tribute to a life that touched so many and a heart that will always be missed."
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office expressed condolences and confirmed ongoing support: "We are supporting the families of two British men who have died in Portugal and are in contact with the local authorities." Meanwhile, MGE Hotels, which manages the apartment block where Mo and King were staying, was approached for comment.
The GoFundMe page, which can be found online, includes a poignant message from the friends who organized it: "On what was meant to be a joyful holiday in Portugal, our two dear friends Mo and King tragically lost their lives, less than 24 hours after arriving. What was supposed to be sunshine and laughter turned into heartbreak no one could have imagined." The tribute continues, "They were deeply devoted to their families, their friends and their faith. And now, all of that has been taken so suddenly and so unfairly. Mo and King, you were loved more than words can say. Your light will never fade. Rest peacefully."
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that can accompany holidaying abroad, especially when alcohol and unfamiliar environments like swimming pools are involved. The communities in Ipswich and beyond are mourning the loss of two young men whose lives were cut tragically short. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting their families and honoring the memories of Mo Liasu and King Edonmi.
