Srinivasa Murthy Jonnalagadda died after rescuing his drowning son at Panther State Beach in Santa Cruz County.
Cal Fire rescue crews were sent to the beach around 6:00 p.m. on May 29, FOX KTVU reports. They received reports that a 12-year-old child was unable to get out of the water.
According to a GoFundMe page that was created to raise money for Srinivasa’s family, the child was struck by large waves and then dragged into the ocean. Srinivasa, despite not knowing how to swim, went into the water to save his son.
The father of two successfully helped rescue his son with the help of another person. According to FOX KTVU, Srinivasa had to be taken to shore by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy. He was transported to the hospital via a California Highway Patrol helicopter after receiving CPR. According to the GoFundMe page, Srinvasa passed away that day.
“He was a man of action, always putting his family first, and a fun-loving soul with a highly positive outlook,” the page states. “His willingness to help others knew no boundaries and he never refused anyone needing assistance of any kind. Srinivasa and his wife were actively involved in community service and positively impacted many lives with their support and kindness.”
Srinivasa is survived by his wife and two children. The GoFundMe page set up to support them has already raised over $166,000.
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