Photo: Go Fund Me
A Minnesota dad tragically died this weekend, just hours before Father’s Day, while attempting to rescue his child who had fallen into a lake.
Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander confirms to PEOPLE that Christopher Franklin Nicholas Schultz, 31, of Frazee was identified as the drowning victim from Saturday evening’s incident in Detroit Lakes.
Though it was sadly too late for selfless father, Schultz’s child, a 3-year-old boy, was safely brought to shore and has since been treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Glander, emergency personnel responded to a possible drowning report outside of Long Bridge restaurant at Dead Shot Bay on Saturday at approximately 8:22 p.m.
Unfortunately, while attempting to save his child, Schultz struggled to also keep himself above water. Bystanders eventually rescued the toddler, but his father tragically never resurfaced, according to Glander.
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After transporting the child to a hospital, Glander said a team of officers from the Detroit Lakes Police Department, Becker County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Mary’s EMS personnel, immediately began searching for Schultz.
The Detroit Lakes Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also assisted at the scene, according to Glander.
Glander noted that the incident remains under investigation.
In the wake of the tragedy, Schultz’s loved ones have created aGoFundMe pageto raise money for his funeral costs and medical expenses. In just one day, the campaign has raised over $2,200.
Many of Schultz’s friends and coworkers also used the GoFundMe as an opportunity to share their most beloved memories with him.
“I worked with him and got to know him very well,” wrote one person. “We’d have our lunch together and he would always talk about his kids and how much he loved them. I’ll miss you Chris.”
source: people.com
