Father Drowns Saving Son's Life

Juan Andrade, a 55-year-old Los Angeles father, died after rescuing his son from the lake at Lincoln Park on April 14. (ktla.com) (abc7.com) His wife, Michelle Andrade, told KTLA that Juan was at the Lincoln Heights park with their 14-year-old son when the boy, who has autism, got into the water. (ktla.com) Michelle Andrade said Juan had stepped away to take an emergency family phone call, then saw his son struggling and jumped in after him. (ktla.com) She said Juan got the boy to safety but became stuck near the fountain area and could not keep swimming. Los Angeles Fire Department crews reached the park around 6:30 p.m. and pulled the teenager out in fair condition. (ktla.com) ABC7 reported firefighters initially could not find Juan Andrade after rescuing the boy. Crews located him at the bottom of the lake about 30 minutes later and paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation before he was taken to a hospital. (abc7.com) ABC7 said the father was pronounced dead from drowning, while the teen was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries during the search, according to the station. (abc7.com) KTLA reported that Michelle Andrade said she was left with questions because her husband knew how to swim well and had once saved a friend from drowning when he was younger. (ktla.com) A GoFundMe organized by Michelle Andrade’s niece said Juan Andrade is survived by his wife and three children. The fundraiser said donations would go to funeral costs and living expenses for the family. (gofundme.com) The fundraiser described him as a beloved husband, family member and friend, and Michelle Andrade told KTLA, “He was a hero because not every dad would die for his kids.” (gofundme.com) (ktla.com) KTLA said Los Angeles Police Department investigators had not released further details as of April 24 and the drowning remained under investigation. (ktla.com)