A 44-year-old man drowned last week after rescuing his three children from a river in North Carolina, authorities said.
Surry County deputies and the Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad received a call at around 12:27 a.m. local time on April 28 about a possible water rescue at the confluence of the Ararat and Yadkin rivers in the Siloam area, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
When the first crews arrived, they were informed that Benny Bowers Jr. “trying to help her children struggling in the river”. Bowers successfully rescued the children, but “never resurfaced.”
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The next day, Bowers’ body was found near the confluence of the Ararat River and the Yadkin River.
“This event is tragic for everyone involved, especially for the family,” the ministry said in a statement. “Please keep the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.”
According to Fox affiliate WGHP, the family was fishing when three of his sons fell into the water and Bowers went to rescue them. The family called 911, but the current was allegedly too strong.
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“He was the best dad I could have ever had and he’s a hero,” his 10-year-old son Benny told the station.
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“His whole world revolved around his family and friends, being on or near the water, hunting and fishing, dancing or just hanging out cooking with family and friends,” his obituary reads. “Benji loved BIG and everyone loved him equally.”
He is survived by his wife, five sons and “many extended family and friends whom he considered his brothers,” the tribute said.
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A GoFundMe campaign is now trying to pay off the family home after his death.
“Benji was the SOLE financial provider for his family!” it is in the description of the donor. “UNFORTUNATELY his life insurance won’t cover it!!! If you knew Benji, you know his WHOLE world revolved around his family! We know his heart would be happy to know that all his friends and family had the opportunity to help achieve this aim FOR HIM!!!!!!!!!
By the morning of Wednesday, May 8, more than $20,000 had been raised.
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