Crime & Safety
Simi Teen Drowns While Saving Parents in Icy River
Walter Gonzalez Jr.'s last act was to push his parents to safety in the Merced River.
A Simi Valley teen jumped in the Merced River at Yosemite National Park to save his parents from drowning this week. In successfully pushing them to safety, he lost his own life.
A gathering is planned tonight at Royal High School for Walter Gonzalez Jr., 17, according to KABC 7 Los Angeles.
The incident happened Sunday. Gonzalez's mom, Carmen, told CBS Los Angles she just wanted to get her feet wet in the river when she suddenly went under.
Husband Walter Sr. jumped in after her, but he soon was overcome by the cold waters, so Walter Jr. made the leap.
Family members said Walter Jr. pushed his mom to safety, then went after his dad, who was drowned. He gave his dad one final push, then ended up in a deadly whirlpool, CBS reported.
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