Norwalk Father, 26, Dies Saving 2 Kids From Drowning At CT Beach

Norwalk CT

07 September, 2021

1:47 PM

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NEW MILFORD, CT — A 26-year-old father from Norwalk died Monday after trying to save two children from drowning at Candlewood Shores Community Beach in New Milford, according to police. In a statement, New Milford Police Lt. Lee Grabner said Victor Garcia, 26, and other family members attempted to help Garcia's 6-year-old son and a 10-year-old girl, both of whom were having difficulty swimming around 5 p.m. According to Grabner, the two children were safely brought to shore while another family member recovered Garcia, who had "succumbed to the water." When police arrived at the beach, officers performed CPR on Garcia until Emergency Medical Services arrived and brought him to New Milford Hospital, where he later died, Grabner said. The two children were taken to the emergency room at Danbury Hospital, treated and later released. Grabner said Garcia and the family were visiting Candlewood from Norwalk. Norwalk Police Sgt. Sofia Gulino said Tuesday morning the department had no further information to provide, but noted the incident was "a very sad story."