A Sunday evening at Wintler Park in Vancouver turned tragic after a man disappeared in the Columbia River following a heroic rescue.
According to Fox 12 Oregon, the Vancouver Fire Department says a 54-year-old man entered the river around 8:48 p.m. to help a 5-year-old child who was struggling to stay afloat. Witnesses say the man was able to reach the child and bring them to safety—but then he went under and never resurfaced.
First responders quickly launched an intensive search effort. Vancouver Fire, Clark County Fire District 6, Portland Fire & Rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard were all dispatched to the scene. In total, 23 emergency personnel, including rescue swimmers and two fire boats, scoured the area.
Despite their efforts, the search was suspended around 10:39 p.m. The man’s name has not yet been released.
While the child is safe thanks to the man’s selfless actions, the community is left mourning the unknown hero who gave everything to save a life.
