A Mays Landing man died after helping to rescue two boys from drowning at an Atlantic County park.
Pablo Hernando Cruz, 49, was hospitalized Wednesday, after an 8-year-old and 12-year-old had to be pulled from the water at Weymouth Furnace.
He has now died.
The 12-year old was treated and released and the 8-year old was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“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."
He added that visitors are urged to heed the signs throughout the park that are posted in English and Spanish.
"We don’t want any family to have to deal with this type of tragedy,” Levinson added.
The park was closed Wednesday following the incident but is scheduled to reopen Thursday.
Cruz had two daughters with grandson on the way, according to a GoFundMe started by his brother-in-law Joe Pagliuca
"Pablo was an amazing father, husband, and cook... man, could he cook!" Pagliuca wrote.
Cruze worked at a number of Atlantic City restaurants.
"No one worked harder than Pablo and his number one priority was always providing for his family," the fundraiser says.
He gave up his career seven years ago when his then-pre-teen daughter was diagnosed with cancer to make sure he was always by her side.
CLICK HERE TO GIVE TO THE GOFUNDME.
