Benny Bowers Jr: 'Greatest dad' of 3 drowns while saving his children in North Carolina river

SILOAM, NORTH CAROLINA: A father of three tragically lost his life after he tried to save his children from a river in North Carolina, reported authorities.

At around 12.27 pm on April 28, Surry County deputies and the Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad received a call about a possible water rescue at the Ararat and Yadkin River juncture in the Siloam area, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

When first responders arrived, they were informed that Benny Bowers Jr, 44, was "attempting to help his children struggling in the river." Bowers successfully rescued the children, but "he never re-surfaced."

Benny Bowers' body was found the following day

The next day, Bowers' body was located near the juncture of the Ararat and Yadkin Rivers.

"This event is tragic for all involved especially for the family," the department said in their post. "Please keep the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days."

How did Benny Bowers' children fall into the water?

The family had been fishing when Bowers' three sons fell into the water. He went in to rescue them and the family called 911 but the current was reportedly too strong.

“He was the greatest dad I could ever have, and he’s a hero," his 10-year-old son Benny Bowers III told the station, as per Fox affiliate WGHP.

Benny Bowers' 'whole world revolved around his family and friends'

"His whole world revolved around his family and friends, being on or near the water, hunting and fishing, dancing or just hanging out at a cookout with family and friends," per Bowers' obituary.

"Benji loved BIG and everyone loved him the same." He is survived by his wife, his five sons and "many extended family and friends that he considered his brothers," according to the tribute.

GoFundMe set up after Benny Bowers' death

A GoFundMe campaign is now trying to pay off the family's home following his death.

"Benji was the SOLE financial provider for his family!" the fundraiser said in its description.

"UNFORTUNATELY his life insurance will not cover it!!! If you knew Benji you know his WHOLE world revolved around his family!" it added. "We know it would make his heart happy to know all of his friends and family had the opportunity to help reach this goal FOR HIM!!!!!!!!!"

Internet reacts to Benny Bowers' heroic effort to save his children's lives

Prayers were sent to the victim's family and the Internet paid tribute to the 44-year-old who sacrificed his life for his three children.

One Facebook user commented, "I don’t know him personally but that’s a dad that we can all strive to sacrifice his life for his children for his family."

Another wrote, "We are so glad that we could help and we want to say thank you to all that helped in the process of finding him."

"So so sorry for this family. Thank all of you for you service to all of our community," penned another individual.

"I went to school with him Thts so sad" added one.

"I’m so very sorry to his family and friends he died a hero for a sure just proves his love for his children God bless you sir [and] pray your children always remember their dad as a hero prayers for you all" wrote one user. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.