A 38-year-old father died in a lake in Utah over the weekend after an attempt to save his 17-year-old son from drowning.
Andre Leon Debose was swimming and boating with his 17-year-old son at Willard Bay State Park last Saturday when a female teen who was also swimming started struggling.
Debose’s son jumped into the water to save her and as he started struggling in the water, his father also jumped in to help.
Unfortunately, Debose went under the water and never resurfaced. He was found dead seven hours later after a rescue operation.
His son and the teen girl, who was wearing a life jacket, were able to safely make it back to the boat.
“The Utah Division of State Parks extends our deepest condolences to Debose’s family and friends during this difficult time,” park officials said in a statement. “We would also like to express our thanks to the agencies who assisted in the search and recovery efforts.”
Debose was a single father with five children, his family revealed in a GoFundMe fundraiser.
“This devastating loss has left Andre’s five children facing an unimaginable future without their devoted father,” his family shared. “Andre’s selfless act of love and courage will not be forgotten. He died as he lived – putting the needs of his family above his own.”