'He Was A Hero': CA Father Drowns Trying To Save Son's Life

LOS ANGELES, CA — A family is mourning the loss of a Los Angeles man who died recently while trying to save his son's life.

Juan Andrade, 55, died on April 14 at Lincoln Park in Los Angeles. According to a fundraiser started by his family, Andrade drowned in the park’s lake while attempting to rescue his son, who has autism and jumped in the water.

His wife, Michelle Andrade, told KTLA that Andrade had taken an emergency phone call from a family member when he saw the 14-year-old boy struggling in the lake.

Juan got his son to safety, but became stuck near the fountain and couldn’t continue swimming, his wife said.

According to KTLA, crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the lake around 6:30 p.m. The boy was in fair condition following the incident.

Crews eventually found Andrade at the bottom of the lake, according to KTLA. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“He was a hero because not every dad would die for his kids,” Michelle Andrade told KTLA.

Relatives started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Andrade's family following his death.

"He was a beloved husband, family member, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew him," his family wrote. "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."

Funds raised for the family will be used to cover funeral costs and other expenses.