Identity Released Of Dad Who Drowned Rescuing His 3 Children In Somerset County River

FRANKLIN, NJ — Authorities have released the identity of a father of three who drowned rescuing his children from the Millstone River on Wednesday.

The children’s father was identified as Rolando Camarillo-Cholula, 42, of South River, said Franklin Township Police Lt. Vincent T. Wilson.

On Aug. 2 at around 2:13 p.m., a 9-11 call reported a man in the water, with three children on the shore in Franklin Township.

Officers found three children, ages 13, 11, and 8 out of the water. The children’s father, a 42-year-old South River resident, could not be found, said Wilson.

The children had gone into the water and quickly became distressed, according to witnesses.

"The victim went into the water to help, pulled his children to the shallow water, but struggled to maintain his balance," said Wilson.

Emergency personnel went into the waterway but were unable to find the victim. The children were treated at the scene and released without further medical attention.

At around 5:28 p.m., Camarillo-Cholula was recovered by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office dive team.

The Franklin Township Police Department was assisted by Millstone Valley Fire (Station 28), Griggstown Fire (Station 35), Franklin Park Fire (Station 31), Somerset Fire and Rescue (Station 56), Franklin Fire Marshals, Montgomery PD, South Brunswick PD, NJ State Police, NJ State Park Police, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Dive Team, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital EMS, and Rocky Hill EMS.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.