A Missouri teen died after having saved his 4-year-old brother from drowning last month. According to NBC's "TODAY" show and a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Alex Harris drowned in the Missouri River on July 23 after having saved his brother, Asher, who had gotten caught in a current and was struggling to stay afloat in the body of water.
According to the brothers' father, Tyson Harris, he and his wife heard Alex yelling for help in the fast-moving waters. But by the time his mom, Nikki, reached him, it was too late. Tyson said that Alex held Asher up until his mother got there, and then he went down.
Nikki said that she watched his hands let go, and then he sank. She knew the exhaustion her son was feeling and she tried so hard to get to him faster. Alex's dad credited him with saving his younger son's life in a heartfelt tribute on social media platform Facebook.
Dad pays tribute to his dead son in emotional Facebook post
He was emotional in the Facebook post, writing "I love you son and I wish every second I could take your place. You are a hero son." Alex just graduated from high school this year and he had been working for the family's outfitter business. The teen's high school held a candlelight vigil in his honor the day after the drowning accident.
Head football coach Josh Petersen, who coached Alex in the high school team, said that the circumstances of the teen boy's death reflected his life. Petersen told the station that was who Alex was, just someone that would help someone else out.
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Brothers Alex and Asher were close despite their huge age difference
He added that the widespread impact of what Alex did, who Alex was, even though he is gone, he won't be forgotten. Petersen told KQTV he thinks that is just a tremendous attribute to him.
Both brothers were close despite the huge age difference. In fact, a few days before the drowning, the family's security camera captured Alex consoling Asher after he fell off his bike during one of his rides.
There was also a special bond between dad and his eldest son. Tyson said they would drive to work together every morning, a 15-minute drive, and he really looked forward to it. He added that they would listen to music and talk about stuff. Tyson said every morning he expects him to be here and he will sit around and wait a little bit like maybe he is coming.
A representative for the Highway Patrol said that swimmers should make sure to wear personal flotation devices to reduce the odds of drowning. Sgt. Shane Hux said that If you get caught in a current, your energy depletes very rapidly, even if you're an experienced swimmer. He added that when their state troopers patrol the river, they always wear a life jacket.
