ATLANTA, GA — A selfless act of bravery ended in tragedy Wednesday night after a man lost his life attempting to rescue a mother and her child from the Chattahoochee River.
According to Roswell Police, officers responded to a distress call around 8:15 p.m. at Gerrard Landing Park, near the boat launch ramp. The emergency unfolded when a 4-year-old girl accidentally fell into the river. Her mother, unable to swim, immediately jumped in after her.
Witnessing the crisis, 59-year-old Frank Young, a family friend who had joined them at the park, leapt into the water in an attempt to save them. Tragically, Young also could not swim and slipped beneath the surface during the rescue effort.
The mother and child were reportedly pulled to safety, but Young never resurfaced.
First responders launched an immediate search, and by 10 p.m., they had recovered Young’s body. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed his identity and stated that no foul play is suspected.
A 14-year-old boy, the son of the woman and brother to the young girl, was the one who explained the series of events to police. According to the report, he watched helplessly as the situation unfolded and his family friend made the ultimate sacrifice.
Frank Young is now being remembered as a hero who gave his life in a courageous act to save others. While he could not swim, his instinct to help overshadowed any fear or hesitation. His loss is deeply felt by the family he tried to save and by the wider Roswell and Atlanta communities.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, though they reiterate that no criminal activity is suspected. Local officials are also using the tragedy as a somber reminder of the dangers of swimming in rivers and the importance of water safety—especially in areas without lifeguards.
Gerrard Landing Park remains open to the public, but signs now serve as a reminder of the heartbreaking event that occurred there and the heroism of a man who gave everything to protect others.
