Hero Dies After Rescuing Children from New Jersey River
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ—A tragic incident occurred at Weymouth Furnace park on Wednesday when Pablo Hernandez Cruz, 49, from Mays Landing, heroically rescued two children from the Great Egg Harbor River but subsequently lost his life.
Cruz noticed two boys, aged 8 and 12, struggling to stay afloat in the river, which is known for its hazardous conditions such as deep water and strong currents. Despite the dangers, he managed to bring both children to safety with the help of bystanders. Tragically, after the rescue, Cruz was pulled under the water and did not resurface. He was later found and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The 12-year-old boy was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries and has been released. The 8-year-old was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Details regarding his condition remain undisclosed. It is not clear whether Cruz had any personal connection to the children he saved.
