'The Glue That Held His Family Together': Man Dies After Saving Two Boys Who Were Drowning in New Jersey River

A man who rescued two boys from drowning in a New Jersey river on Wednesday, July 18, has died per an Atlantic County press release.

Pablo Hernando Cruz, 49, rescued the 8-year-old and 12-year-old who were swimming in a prohibited spot in the Great Egg Harbor River, which runs through Weymouth Furnace in Hamilton Township. Neither of the children has been publicly identified, nor has any possible relationship with Cruz been established.

Cruz brought both boys to safety but was then swept under the water before he disappeared. He was found shortly after by first responders and bystanders and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia.

The 12-year-old was treated for injuries at a nearby hospital before being released. The 8-year-old was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, but no further details about his condition have been released.

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson issued a statement on Thursday: “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. This is a beautiful park that is enjoyed by many for canoeing, kayaking, picnics, and barbeques, but the water is deep and can be dangerous for swimmers, which is why we prohibit swimming."

Levinson concluded by urging visitors “to heed the warnings,” noting that “Signs are posted throughout the park in both English and Spanish. We don’t want any family to have to deal with this type of tragedy.”

The park closed after the tragic incident and will remain closed on Friday, July 19. It is expected to reopen on Saturday, July 20, per Atlantic County press release.

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her and son Paul and Hunter Horsey, who were at the scene afterward, told Fox 29 Philadelphia that there is a part of the river that drops from 5 feet to 12 feet, and that is likely where the incident occurred.

Paul noted that other people at the river said, “‘He actually pushed the kids to where they could reach him.’ ” Adding, “Yeah, he saved them, and then he went under. He probably couldn't get back to the shallower water.”

Hernandez’s brother-in-law, Joe Pagliuca, created a GoFundMe page to raise money for Hernandez’s wife and two daughters, one of whom is pregnant.

“Pablo was an amazing father, husband, and cook... man, could he cook!” Pagliuca wrote of Hernandez. “No one worked harder than Pablo and his number one priority was always providing for his family.” 

Pagliuca explained that in 2017, when Hernandez’s pre-teen daughter was diagnosed with cancer, he “sacrificed his career to ensure he would always be by her side,” revealing, “He took on the role of caretaker and as always proved to be the glue that held his family together.”

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Pagliuca also spoke to ABC 6 Philadelphia and paid tribute to his late family member. "Here's an ordinary man living an ordinary life, who managed to save two children and allow them now to grow up to live full lives and have families, and sacrificed his own in the process."

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