A Missouri man is being hailed as a hero after he saved two children from Lake Michigan Sunday, before he drowned.
RACINE, WI -- (Mlive) - A Missouri man is being hailed as a hero after he saved two children from Lake Michigan Sunday, before he drowned. According to the Associated Press, the 40-year-old man -- who has not been publicly identified -- jumped into the water around 3 p.m. Sunday to save the children who were in distress.
The children were able to get out of the water, however the man was unable to escape and his body was recovered approximately an hour after he jumped in.
“The Sheriff’s Office commends the heroic actions of the man who assisted in saving the lives of these two young children,” said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling in a statement. “... We also encourage people to take the time to investigate current lake conditions before entering Lake Michigan and take all necessary precautions. This, like the other unfortunate drownings this summer, are tragic, incredibly sad, and preventable.”
More than 100 people were at the beach Sunday evening playing in the water that is not protected by lifeguards. Big waves were reported in the area near the pier where the accident happened.
Four drownings in Lake Michigan were reported over the weekend, including one at Holland State Park that involved a Grand Rapids man.