Susanna Reid fought back tears as she hosted Good Morning Britain on Tuesday and discussed the tragic death of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole.
The 20-year-old, known to friends as 'Jimi', was one of two men who jumped into the River Thames just after midnight on Saturday to try and save a woman in the water.
Jimi dived into the water around midnight on April 24, MyLondon reported.
Another man also jumped in to rescue the woman before emergency services were called to help all three.
Coastguard and police marine units rescued the woman and the other man. Jimmy's body was recovered at 6am.
Referring to Jimi as a "total legend", Susanna paused for a second and appeared choked up as she went on to discuss the sad news.
"We talked yesterday about this incredible young man and it breaks my heart to talk about it frankly, 20-year-old Jimi," Susanna said as she hosted the ITV show alongside Adil Ray.
"Jimi, who by all accounts is a total hero, jumped into the water to try and save her and unfortunately Jimi died in that rescue attempt."
As she referred to an upcoming interview with Jimi's family and best friend, Susanna continued: "I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now.
"A campaign was launched yesterday, and quite right too, to get him a Gallantry Award," Susanna added, before letting viewers know that she had tweeted out the link to the campaign.
"What a total hero, huge courage and we can’t thank you enough Jimi and I just think it’s an utter tragedy," the mum-of-three said looking visibly upset.
Susanna broke down as she and Adil interviewed Jimi's parents as well as his best friend Bernard later on in the show.
Michael Adewola, 63, and mum Olasunkanmi Adewole, 54, said they were heartbroken by their son's death and were proud of him for trying to save the woman's life.
Susanna struggled to get her words out as she told them: "My heart is absolutely broken for you as parents", with the star breaking down as she fought back tears.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
