Willard Bay State Park, Utah – In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday, 38-year-old Andre Leon Debose lost his life while heroically trying to save his 17-year-old son from drowning. The father and son were enjoying a day of swimming and boating when the weather took a sudden turn for the worse.
As the storm intensified, a 19-year-old woman who was part of their group began struggling in the water. Debose’s son immediately jumped in to help but soon found himself in distress. Without hesitation, Debose dove into the water to rescue his son. Tragically, he did not resurface.
After an extensive seven-hour search, rescue teams recovered Debose’s body. The Utah Division of State Parks expressed their deepest condolences to his family and acknowledged the efforts of all agencies involved in the recovery.
Andre Leon Debose, a devoted father of five, leaves behind children ranging in age from 1 to 17 years. In the wake of his passing, his family has started a GoFundMe campaign to support his children during this unimaginable time.
Condolences have poured in on social media, with many expressing their sorrow and prayers for the family. Margie Moore wrote, "So sad. Prayers for you all. I wonder how the lady and the Son are doing. Hope they are ok." Mary Hill added, "Condolences go out to his family. Heaven is sure to gain an angel. God comfort you all."
This tragic event highlights the profound bravery and selflessness of a father who put his child’s safety above his own, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.