Heroic Dad Dies After Saving 2 People from Drowning During Family Picnic

A 28-year-old father died after reportedly saving two people from drowning during what was supposed to be a peaceful family picnic in England.

Rushabh Patel was with his family at Newport Pagnell Beach in Milton Keynes on May 26 when two people in his group got into trouble while swimming, according to his sister, Aman Patel.

In a verified GoFundMe fundraiser, Aman said the two began to drown, and Rushabh immediately jumped into the water to help them.

“Without any hesitation, Rushabh jumped into the water to save them,” she wrote. “Thinking only of others and not of himself, he bravely fought to rescue both individuals.”

His sister said Rushabh was able to save both people, but then suffered cardiac arrest and drowned.

“Thanks to his courage and selfless actions, their lives were saved,” Aman wrote.

Authorities said they received a call about the incident and found a man receiving medical attention at the scene before he was taken to the hospital, according to Thames Valley Police in a statement to The Sun U.K.

Rushabh was airlifted to Milton Keynes University Hospital, where he died two days later, his sister said.

His death has left his family shattered.

“No words can describe the heartbreak his family is experiencing,” Aman wrote. “A young wife has lost the love of her life. A little girl, only 18 months old, has lost the father who will never get the chance to watch her grow up. His parents have lost their beloved son.”

The tragedy is especially devastating because Rushabh was only 28 and had his whole life ahead of him. He leaves behind a wife, a young daughter, grieving parents and loved ones who are now trying to process a loss that came without warning.

Still, Aman said the family is holding onto the fact that Rushabh’s final moments were spent saving others.

“Rushabh’s final act on this earth was one of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” she wrote. “He gave his life while saving others. He was a hero in every sense of the word.”

The fundraiser created to support his family has raised more than $52,000.