An Ottawa man who died trying to save the life of a young boy is being called a hero by members of his family.
39-year-old Michael Lumahang drowned in the Ottawa River Saturday near the Champlain Bridge. Police say he jumped in the river to save a 12-year-old boy.
The man's family says he had swimming lessons as a child, but couldn't battle the rough waters. Police say Lumahang was not wearing a life jacket.
The deceased's step-father and mother were distraught, telling CTV News at the scene that the news of their son's came as a shock. The two, along with other relatives, were at Bate Island until 2:00 A.M. Sunday hoping the body would be found.
"They managed to pull out the boy. But the little boy said there was someone else in the water but they didn't see him," Michael Tremblay, the man's step-father said.
"He was already gone. Michael was already gone."
Lumahang's parents describe Michael as a giving, loving individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
"He was always there to help everyone all the time," Tremblay says.
Ottawa police, fire and paramedics were on the Ottawa River Saturday evening searching for Lumahang. The search continued until darkness set in. That's when police dive and marine unit took over the search. The body was found around 6:25 Sunday morning near the shore at Bate Island.
Ottawa Paramedics say a 24-year-old man and 39-year-old man had gone into the water to rescue a 12-year-old boy.
The 24-year-old man and 12-year-old boy returned to the shore safely. The boy was treated for mild hypothermia. The 24-year-old man was not injured.
Lumahang was married. He was born in the Philippines.
