Single Dad Dies Attempting To Save His 6-Year-Old Son While Fishing in Texas Creek

A family fishing trip to Mountain Creek Lake in Dallas, Texas, turned tragic when a 6-year-old boy slipped into the water and was swept away by the current. His father, Fernando Carlos, 26, attempted to rescue him, but neither of them resurfaced.

The incident occurred on Saturday when Carlos and his son, Noah, were fishing with family members. Noah slipped into the lake, and the strong current quickly pulled him under. Carlos immediately jumped in to save his son, but he too was caught by the current. Despite efforts from family members to rescue them, the powerful water flow swept both father and son away, Fox 4 reported.

Emergency responders from Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived at the scene around 1:37 p.m., working alongside the Dallas Police Department and the Game Warden’s Office. They recovered Carlos’ body later that evening at approximately 5 p.m., but Noah’s body was not found until Sunday afternoon, told CBS News.

Carlos’ family described him as a hero, remembering him as an amazing dad, brother, son, and uncle. Noah was remembered as a cheerful, fun-loving boy who enjoyed music, dancing, and playing Fortnite. “This is a sad, tragic story that we wish was a nightmare and [we] could wake up, but unfortunately, it’s not,” read a statement on a GoFundMe page created to support the family in the wake of the tragedy.

In addition to being a devoted father, Carlos was also his mother’s sole caretaker and the primary provider for his children. He leaves behind two daughters, ages 5 and 9, who now face life without their father.