Man dies after saving 2 kids from drowning in NJ river

A man died after he saved two children from drowning in the river in Mays Landing, New Jersey, officials said.

The 12-year-old boy and 8-year-old boy were swimming in the Great Egg Harbor River at Weymouth Furnace – a popular park for canoeing, kayaking and tubing – Wednesday afternoon when they began struggling in the water. A man, later identified as 49-year-old Pablo Hernandez Cruz of Mays Landing, then jumped into the river and helped get the children to safety but was pulled underneath the water.

Other rescuers then helped get Cruz out of the water. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The 12-year-old boy was treated at the hospital and released while the 8-year-old boy was transferred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Relatives started a GoFundMe for Cruz's family.

While canoeing, kayaking and tubing are allowed at Weymouth Furnace, swimming is prohibited. Atlantic County officials said families often still get in the water at the park on hot days regardless, however. Officials also said the river is colder and deeper than people often expect.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families," Atlantic County executive Dennis Levinson said. "This is a beautiful park that is enjoyed by many for canoeing, kayaking, picnics and barbeques, but the water is deep and can be dangerous for swimmers which is why we prohibit swimming. We urge visitors to heed the warnings. Signs are posted throughout the park in both English and Spanish. We don’t want any family to have to deal with this type of tragedy.”

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In 2021, a 23-year-old man drowned in Weymouth Furnace.

"We don't know what else to do to prevent it," Levinson said. "We now have it closed off but it's a place people really enjoy."

Weymouth Furnace was temporarily closed on Wednesday following the drowning but is set to reopen on Thursday.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.