A South Carolina veteran died on his birthday while trying to save a 13-year-old boy from drowning, authorities said.
South Carolina veteran saves teen from drowning
On Saturday, March 8, a 13-year-old boy was fishing with his family when he slipped on rocks and fell into a river in Ridgeway, Kershaw County, according to WLTX.
Lonnie Hancock, a 43-year-old veteran, and Valentin Quiroz, 21, jumped into the water to save the boy. Both Hancock and Quiroz died in the attempt to save the boy.
Authorities said that after the boy fell into the water, his father and Quiroz immediately jumped in to save him. Hancock, who was nearby, jumped in soon after, according to WLTX. An off-duty police officer and Army soldier also witnessed the accident and were able to pull the boy out of the water, the outlet reported. By then, Hancock and Quiroz had disappeared…