A devoted father in New Jersey lost his life attempting to save his three children, who found themselves in peril while swimming in the Millstone River.
Rolando Camarillo-Cholula, 42, tragically drowned after successfully getting his children to safety. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a desperate search and recovery operation by local authorities.
This unfortunate incident adds to the list of recent drownings in the region, raising concerns about water safety and the need for awareness about hidden dangers in natural waterways.
A Father's Ultimate Sacrifice
According to CBS, Rolando Camarillo-Cholula was faced with every parent's nightmare when his three children, aged 13, 11, and 8, became "distressed" while swimming in the 39-mile-long Millstone River, a tributary of the Raritan River.
Acting quickly, the father waded into the waters and managed to pull his kids to shallow waters, but he lost his balance and drowned.
The call to Franklin Township Police came at 2:15 p.m. with a report of "a man in the water, with three children on shore."
According to People, Alexie Rae Siu, the wife of Rolando Camarillo-Cholula, recounted the terrifying moment when both of them were thrown from their jet ski into the water.
"We were separated suddenly, and my only thought was to reach him," Alexie shared with the media. "I could see signs of panic in him."
Emergency responders swiftly arrived on the scene and plunged into the river, striving to find and rescue the children's father.
Their efforts were in vain, and it wasn't until 5:28 p.m., nearly three hours later, that divers from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office managed to recover Camarillo-Cholula's lifeless body.
Local authorities have made it known that the three children were attended to by emergency medical personnel at the location and were released in good health.
A Rising Concern for Water Safety in New Jersey
The drowning of Rolando Camarillo-Cholula marks the third reported fatal drowning in New Jersey in as many months.
NBC News reported that in May, a 15-year-old boy drowned at Sandy Hook Beach B, and in June, a heroic firefighter lost his life while trying to save his teenage daughter at the Jersey Shore.
These incidents highlight the importance of being aware of water-related risks and exercising caution around natural waterways.
Nationwide, there are more than 4,000 fatal drownings each year, with New Jersey reporting a relatively lower rate of 0.77 unintentional drowning deaths per 100,000 people, as per CDC data.
While swimming is not prohibited in the Millstone River, authorities urge residents to remain cautious and heed warning signs indicating dangerous areas and activities.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, Franklin Township authorities emphasize the need for heightened awareness about water safety.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, stressing the importance of being mindful of hidden dangers in waterways.
Rolando Camarillo-Cholula's courageous act serves as a poignant reminder of a father's love and the unforeseen risks that can occur in even the most familiar environments.
The incident has led to a renewed focus on water safety and a collective reflection on what it means to be a protective parent in the face of danger.
Hidden currents, sudden depths, and cold shocks can pose significant dangers in causeways, lakes, and all waterways.
Education and adherence to safety guidelines can save lives and prevent further heartache.
