Man drowns after rescuing children at Weymouth Furnace Park in Atlantic County, New Jersey
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) — A man has died after Atlantic County officials say he rescued two children in trouble in the water in Hamilton Township.
Officials identified the man Thursday morning as 49-year-old Pablo Hernandez of Mays Landing.
The incident happened at Weymouth Furnace on Wednesday afternoon.
Officials say Hernandez was trying to prevent two boys, ages 8 and 12, from drowning when he went under. He was hospitalized in critical condition but later died. The 12-year-old was treated and released and the 8-year-old remains at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The entire park, including part of Great Egg Harbor River, was surrounded by yellow tape Wednesday afternoon. The park is expected to reopen Thursday.
County Executive Dennis Levinson said the river is deep and dangerous for swimming.
"Year after year after year, there either are rescues or a tragedy there, so we discourage [swimming] as much as we can," Levinson said.
In a statement about Hernandez's death, Levinson said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. 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."