Popular father of five drowns in a state park while trying to rescue his son from a lake

WILLARD, Utah (Gray News) – A father died over the weekend while trying to save one of his sons from drowning in a Utah lake.

According to the Utah Division of State Parks, 38-year-old Andre Leon Debose was swimming and boating with his 17-year-old son at Willard Bay State Park last Saturday when the weather turned stormy.

Park officials said another swimmer, a 19-year-old woman, got into trouble in the water and Debose’s son jumped in to help.

The woman was wearing a life jacket and was brought safely on board the boat.

However, the 17-year-old began to struggle in the water before he could get back on board. When Debose saw that his son was in distress, he jumped out of the boat to help him.

The two only had a life jacket with them and held on to it in the water.

Officials said Debose went under and did not resurface, while his son managed to return to the boat.

Search and rescue teams responded immediately and launched a search operation to look for Debose.

His body was recovered from the water about seven hours later, authorities said.

“The Utah Division of State Parks extends our deepest condolences to Debose’s family and friends during this difficult time,” park officials said. “We also want to thank the agencies that assisted with the search and recovery efforts.”

Since his death, Debose’s relatives have started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family.

They said he worked as a plumber in Utah and was a beloved single father of five children, ages 1 to 17.

“This devastating loss leaves Andre’s five children facing an unimaginable future without their devoted father,” his family said. “Andre’s selfless act of love and courage will not be forgotten. He died as he lived – putting his family’s needs above his own.”

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