A heroic act turned tragic when a 42-year-old father lost his life while rescuing his three children from the treacherous waters of the Millstone River. The Franklin Township Police Department received an urgent call on Wednesday afternoon reporting a man struggling to stay afloat while his children watched helplessly from the shore. Despite the efforts of first responders, the father could not be saved.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when the children, aged 13, 11, and 8, ventured into the water and quickly found themselves in distress. Witnesses reported that the father bravely jumped in to assist his children, pulling them to safety in shallow water. However, he struggled to maintain his balance and tragically succumbed to the powerful current.
Responding officers immediately launched a search operation to locate the missing father, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. It was not until over three hours later that the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office dive team recovered the man’s lifeless body. The identity of the victim has not yet been released because his family is still in the process of being notified.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the father’s drowning is ongoing. The Franklin Township Police Department is working diligently to determine the factors that contributed to this heartbreaking incident.
The three children involved in the incident were treated at the scene and released without further medical attention. They are now left to grapple with the devastating loss of their father. The community has rallied around the grieving family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the father’s drowning to come forward. The Franklin Township Police Department is determined to uncover all the details surrounding this tragedy and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.