Dad Drowns After Rescuing 3 Kids from North Carolina River: ‘He’s a Hero,’ Son Says

Benny Bowers Jr. is survived by his wife, his five sons and "many extended family and friends that he considered his brothers," according to his obituary

A 44-year-old man drowned last week after he saved his three children from a river in North Carolina, authorities said.

Surry County deputies and the Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad received a call on April 28 around 12:27 p.m. local time about a possible water rescue at the Ararat and Yadkin River juncture in the Siloam area, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

When first responders arrived, they were informed that Benny Bowers Jr. was "attempting to help his children struggling in the river." Bowers successfully rescued the kids, but "he never re-surfaced."

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The next day, Bowers' body was located near the juncture of the Ararat and Yadkin River.

"This event is tragic for all involved especially for the family," the department said in their post. "Please keep the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days."

According to Fox affiliate WGHP, the family had been fishing when three of his sons fell into the water and Bowers went in to rescue them. The family called 911 but the current was reportedly too strong.

Related: Family of 5-Year-Old Boy Who Drowned in Daycare Pool Sues Virginia YMCA for $20 Million

“He was the greatest dad I could ever have, and he’s a hero," his 10-year-old son Benny told the station.

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"His whole world revolved around his family and friends, being on or near the water, hunting and fishing, dancing or just hanging out at a cookout with family and friends," per his obituary. "Benji loved BIG and everyone loved him the same."

He is survived by his wife, his five sons and "many extended family and friends that he considered his brothers," according to the tribute.

Related: 2 Drowned After Man Tried to Save Woman Who Fell into Creek While Hiking in Tennessee

A GoFundMe campaign is now trying to pay off the family's home following his death.

"Benji was the SOLE financial provider for his family!" the fundraiser said in its description. "UNFORTUNATELY his life insurance will not cover it!!! If you knew Benji you know his WHOLE world revolved around his family! We know it would make his heart happy to know all of his friends and family had the opportunity to help reach this goal FOR HIM!!!!!!!!!"

Over $20,000 has been raised as of the morning of Wednesday, May 8.

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