Ealing Rock Musician Drowns In Brazil

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Teenager and friend die after getting into difficulties in the sea

Rescuers have found the body of a rock guitarist from Ealing who drowned with a band-mate he tried to save in Brazil.

Timothy Kennelly, 18, died after going to the aid of Leon Villalba, 21, whose body washed up on a beach in Aracaju last Thursday.

Searchers found Mr Kennelly's body the following day.

Mr Kennelly was a bassist and had recently joined the band after leaving Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Holland Park. He has a twin brother.

The five members of London-based heavy metal band After Death were on tour in the country. 

Drummer Barry O'Connor told the BBC all five band members went to the deserted beach at about midday on Thursday and he and the other two musicians started "messing around" in the waves.

"The waves started getting heavier and I came out, but Tim and Leon went out further and looked really confident.

''The next thing I know, I heard Leon screaming 'help, help, help'. Tim heard him and turned around and swam toward him, he exerted lots of energy doing that and by the time he got to Leon, he was struggling also."

He said Mr Kennelly, joined the band six months ago but it felt like he had known him for years.

"Tim straight away made a massive impression... he was full of information, loved a laugh and was on cloud nine. He was so much more mature than 18, a great guy all round."

A family friend today paid tribute to the teenager who was on a gap year and due to start a physics degree at York University in September.

Edward Doyle told the Evening Standard that the teenager's parents Rosemary and Diarmuid had been devastated by the news but were “hoping against hope” that he may be found alive.

A spokesman for the band's record label, Death Toll Records, confirmed the deaths and said it was "unbelievable" and "so sad".

January 22nd, 2010