22 September 2023 , 17:07
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A father of four drowned in the sea trying to save his son from a rip current.
Gary Simard, a 44-year-old man from Methuen, Massachusetts, lost his life after rushing into the water in an attempt to save his son from a dangerous rip current at Salisbury Beach on Wednesday afternoon.
Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker said Simard "had been enjoying the day with family" at the beach when his son was pulled away from shore and could not swim in. A witness told WBZ-TV that the child started calling for help and Simard ran into the water to help.
Two Good Samaritans ran into the water and brought four children back to the beach but could not find Simard. Police and firefighters responded and were able to pull Simard in. Responding EMTs performed CPR on the beach. Simard was then rushed to the hospital, but the Essex District Attorney said he later died. All four children survived.
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Gary was a father of four young children (Kelly Simard/GoFundMe)Gary's mother, Linda Simard, described him as "the best father ever." "He died trying to save his son," she said. "My son is a hero. He saved his son and he lost his life for that, but he is my hero."
Simard's father, also named Gary, described the heartwrenching decision the Good Samaritans faced. "The gentleman who went out had a decision, I guess - to save my grandson or my son. He made the right decision because he almost didn't make it," the elder Gary Simard said, adding that his son died a hero. "We don't know why it happened, what god's purpose is, but he did what he had to do and I feel if he had to do it again, he would."
Kenny Crosby helped pull the boy out of the water. "The kid was going further, and then the dad was running out. Then the dad was also yelling 'Help.' I had no choice I had to run out there," Crosby said. "Small, teenage kid. His dad looked like he was struggling. The kid grabbed my hand. We started swimming, and I don't know. It was just like survival mode."
His family said he was a 'hero' (Comeau Funeral Home/Facebook)Gary's sister, Kelly Simard, set up a fundraiser to help the deceased's family with funeral expenses and support for their four young children. In the GoFundMe, Kelly wrote: "Yesterday we unexpectedly lost my brother Gary Matthew Simard. Gary lost his life saving his children from a rip current at Salisbury Beach.
"Gary lived his whole life for his family, his partner Alexis and their four children Gary(13), Matthew(11), Olivia(8) and AJ(6). Gary’s children all survived but sadly Gary did not. Gary truly was a hero who not only dedicated his life to his children but literally gave his life for them.
"We are raising money to help offset the cost of funeral expenses as well as the needs of Gary’s four young children. Gary was the sole provider for the family. Any amount donated will be greatly appreciated during this extremely sad and difficult time."