HOUSTON – Harris County deputies recovered the body of a man who drowned in the San Jacinto River after acting to save his young niece, officials said.
The incident was reported at 2:28 p.m. at Riverside and Beach streets in northeast Harris County.
Deputies said the 25-year-old man was alongside the San Jacinto River -- enjoying the day with family. Investigators said the man was in the river with his 4-year-old niece when he apparently slipped in a hole and saved his niece by throwing her to a family member before he went under.
The girl made it out of the water to safety, deputies said. She was not injured or in distress while she was in the water, official said.
Investigators said neither the man or girl could swim.
Harris County deputies recovered the body of a man who went missing Saturday after he attempted to protect a four-year-old girl in the San Jacinto River in northeast Harris County, officials said. http://www.click2houston.com/news/deputies-search-for-man-who-went-missing-after-saving-child-from-drowning-in-ne-harris-county
Posted by KPRC2 Brandon Walker on Saturday, April 15, 2017
Deputies said the man drowned and his body was taken by a medical examiner after it was recovered from the river.
“Be careful, be aware of your surroundings, and if you don't know how to, this gentleman didn't know how to swim, if you don't know how to swim I suggest you wear a PFD, or personal flotation device,” witness Oscar Diaz said, “a life jacket of some sort, so if you do step in a hole it's going to bring you back up to the surface.”
