A Texas family is seeking support after Fernando Carlos, a manager at a roofing company, tragically lost his life while trying to save his drowning son.
According to reporting from ABC-affiliated WFAA, officials with Dallas Fire-Rescue, Dallas Police Department and Game Warden’s Office recovered the body of Carlos and his 6-year-old son, Noah, on Oct. 5 and 6.
Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a water rescue near Mountain Creek Lake around 1:37 p.m. Officials said the child had been swept under while fishing in a creek in the area and Carlos jumped in to save him. According to CBS News, one of Carlos’ relatives tried jumping in after them but the current had already swept them away. Neither of them resurfaced.
“I didn't know it was going to turn into this," Jose Carlos, brother of Fernando, told CBS. "I wouldn't have gone fishing. I wouldn't have gone. I feel like it's my fault because I brought him here."
The agencies worked together to locate Carlos and Noah, finding Carlos dead around 5 p.m. on Oct. 5. The search for Noah was paused after it grew dark. A dive team resumed the search once it was light enough and found Noah’s body Sunday afternoon.
Fernando Carlos worked as a manager for a commercial roofing company. A LinkedIn page for a Fernando Carlos in Dallas shows he worked at Range Roofing. He leaves behind two daughters, ages 9 and 5.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help support the family. According to the page, Carlos had just turned 26 in September, and the page describes Noah as loving music, dancing and playing Fortnite.
“Noah 6 slipped into the water and like any Father would, Fernando jumped into action without hesitation,” Carlos' family wrote. “He died as a HERO, and was an AMAZING DAD, BROTHER, SON, and UNCLE. He was his mother’s and [children's] sole provider.”