Tributes have poured in for a beloved Louisiana city worker who died after trying to save his granddaughter after she fell into a lake.
Chris Rushing from Covington, approximately 40 miles north of New Orleans, jumped into Bayou Lacombe to save his grandchild on July 1, but got into difficulty before disappearing underwater, witnesses told local media.
Another woman, who has not been identified, jumped in and managed to get the child to safety, according to WDSU.
Rushing was pulled out of the water by fire crews and taken to the hospital, where he died a short while later, St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office said. His death was likely an accidental drowning, pending the results of an autopsy, the sheriff’s office said.
The devoted grandad worked for the Covington’s Department of Cultural Arts & Events and had been involved in planning the city’s July 4 celebrations.
Rushing’s family said he would “not think twice” about jumping into the water to save his grandchild if he were alive today.
“Christopher adored his grandbabies, and his love for them was endless,” the family said on a GoFundMe page, launched to support them with funeral expenses.
“His legacy as a hero will live on, as he passed away saving his grandbaby. I know if he were here today, he would not think twice about the decision he made,” the post said.
His family said that Rushing “was loved by everyone who met him” and he “always had a smile on his face.”
“He was nothing short of a good man, and his kindness touched so many lives,” the tribute said.
The family added that any additional proceeds would go toward setting up a nonprofit in Rushing’s name. “We will do what we need to do to make sure we give back to the city we love and he loved,” the family said.
City officials also paid tribute to Rushing.
“My heart truly hurts,” said councilman Jimmy Inman. “Chris focused on making our world a better place. He worked every day to do so. Some people are called heroes, but he truly was one, giving his own life attempting to help someone else in dire need.”
Covington Mayor Mark Johnson said Rushing’s death was “very difficult to process” in a statement.
“Chris will be remembered for his ever-present smile, the joy that emanated from him and for his innate desire to help others,” the mayor said.
