Pablo Hernandez Cruz, 49, of Mays Landing, is being hailed as a hero after giving his life to rescue two children from drowning in the Great Egg Harbor River in Atlantic County.
The lion-hearted New Jerseyan has died, as a result of his heroic action at Weymouth Furnace County Park in Hamilton Township.
Authorities say two boys, ages 8 and 12, went swimming, which is prohibited. There are multiple signs posted in English and Spanish warning people not to swim.
When the children experienced some difficulty in the water, Hernandez Cruz went in to help them.
Hernandez Cruz rescued the 8-year-old and 12-year-old who were not publicly identified.
Hernandez Cruz brought both boys to safety but he was swept under the water and disappeared.
He was found shortly after by first responders and bystanders who administered CPR before he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Atlantic County Public Safety Director Michael Fedorko.
The 12-year-old was treated and released and the 8-year-old was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. This is a beautiful park that is enjoyed by many for canoeing, kayaking, picnics, and barbeques, but the water is deep and can be dangerous for swimmers which is why we prohibit swimming,” said County Executive Dennis Levinson. “We urge visitors to heed the warnings. Signs are posted throughout the park in both English and Spanish. We don’t want any family to have to deal with this type of tragedy.”
According to police, Hernandez Cruz successfully rescued the children from the water and brought them to safety on shore. Subsequently, Hernandez Cruz submerged underwater. He was transported to the hospital in a critical state, and officials confirmed on Thursday morning that he had succumbed to his condition.
“I talked to people on the shore, they said he just went under and threw the kids as far as he could and he never came up. He was a true hero,” said Paul Horsey, who helped get Hernandez Cruz out of the water.
“Risking his life to save two innocent young kids,” said Jorge Fornia, of Vineland.
Family members said he was not a good swimmer, having learned how to swim just recently.
“Pablo was an amazing father, husband, and cook… man, could he cook! He worked at a number of Atlantic City restaurants and always seized the moment to make something exquisite for his family on a whim; his Thanksgiving turkey gravy was legendary,” said Joe Pagliuca, who organized a fundraiser. that has generated nearly $70,000 for the hero’s family.
“No one worked harder than Pablo and his number one priority was always providing for his family,” said Pagliuca. “Seven years ago, when his pre-teen daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Pablo sacrificed his career to ensure he would always be by her side. He took on the role of caretaker and as always proved to be the glue that held his family together.”
“Once back to work, even while working sometimes up to 18 hours a day, Pablo worked tirelessly on making improvements to their home, fixing their cars, and just doing all the little things that a father and husband does; all of the things that we take for granted,” said Pagliuca. “Unfortunately, with his sudden and heroic passing, Pablo’s wife, two daughters, and unborn grandson will need the support of all their family, friends, and neighbors to help them today and for the foreseeable future.”