Juan Andrade was on a phone call when his teen son fell into the body of water
Credit: gofundme
NEED TO KNOW
- A father drowned saving his teenage son, who wandered into a lake at a park in Los Angeles on April 14
- Juan Andrade was taking an emergency phone call when his 14-year-old child, who has autism, fell into the body of water
- The man, 55, was remembered as a “beloved husband, family member and friend whose kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew him”
A father drowned saving his teenage son, who wandered into a lake at a park in Los Angeles.
Juan Andrade and his 14-year-old child, who has autism, visited Lincoln Park, located just minutes from their home in Lincoln Heights, on April 14.
While taking an emergency phone call, Juan's son went into the lake and started “struggling in the water,” KTLA reported. Juan, 55, then jumped in to save him.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived at the scene at around 6:30 p.m. local time. At that point, Juan's son was pulled from the water to safety, but Juan became trapped in the fountain area of the lake, where he was “submerged,” according to KTLA, which cited the LAFD.
Emergency crews found Juan at the bottom of the lake 30 minutes later. CPR was performed, and Juan was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Credit: Google
“I was in shock because he knows how to swim very well,” Juan's wife, Michelle Andrade, told KTLA. “When he was younger, he saved his friend from drowning in the water.”
Michelle, who shared three children with Juan, said of his brave final act, “He was a hero, because not every dad would die for his kids.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Michelle and her children after Juan’s death. “Juan’s sudden passing from an accidental drowning has left his wife and family heartbroken and facing unexpected challenges,” organizer Elizabeth Silva wrote.
“He was a beloved husband, family member, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew him. Juan was always there to lend a helping hand or share a warm smile, and his absence is deeply felt by all who loved him," she added.
Credit: Andrade Family
“In the wake of this tragedy, Juan’s wife and family are now facing the overwhelming costs of funeral arrangements, as well as the uncertainty of how to manage daily living expenses without his support,” Silva continued.
She further explained, "The emotional and financial burden is immense, and we want to come together as a community to help ease their pain during this incredibly difficult time.”
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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the incident.
PEOPLE has reached out to the LAFD and LAPD for comment.
Read the full article here
