A Massachusetts father tragically lost his life in a valiant effort to rescue his estranged wife and her teenage son from the swift currents of a river in New Hampshire, according to statements from the police and his family. Vincent Parr, 37, was enjoying a day at the White Mountains on Sunday when his ex-wife and her child found themselves trapped in a rapid section of the Swift River, unable to escape the water’s grip, as reported by the New Hampshire State Police.
Parr, in a heroic act, attempted to save them but was unfortunately swept away by the strong current. The mother and her son managed to reach the shore, with the help of bystanders who also pulled Parr to the shoreline. Despite the immediate efforts of bystanders to perform CPR, Parr succumbed to the incident at the scene.
The family had been delighting in the water for several hours before the tragic incident occurred, according to Sgt. Nicholas Haroutunian of the New Hampshire Marine Patrol. He described Parr’s actions as “heroic” in the face of the unexpected and deadly turn of events.
Becky Parr, Vincent’s mother, confirmed to WBZ News that the individuals her son had tried to save were his estranged wife and her 19-year-old son from a previous marriage. The identities of the mother and son have not been disclosed.
Reflecting on her son’s selfless act, Becky Parr said, “He knew he had to do what was right at the cost that he paid for it. And he didn’t care about the cost that he paid for it.” She described her son as a selfless individual from birth, a loving soul who always put others before himself.
This tragic incident comes just days after another Massachusetts resident, Melissa Bagley, drowned in the White Mountains National Forest while trying to save her 10-year-old son who had fallen into a swift current. Bystanders were able to rescue Bagley’s child, but the 44-year-old mother did not survive.