Thousands of dollars raised for family of man who drowned at Chehalis Lake saving son
Posted July 22, 2021 5:58 am.
Last Updated July 22, 2021 5:59 am.
CHILLIWACK (NEWS 1130) – The family of a man who died while saving his son with autism from drowning in Chehalis Lake earlier this month is trying to raise money to help pay for support and funeral expenses.
Arnulf Salazar’s wife and children have launched a GoFundMe campaign which, as of early Thursday morning, was almost at its $25,000 goal.
According to the page, the family was visiting Chehalis Lake in the Fraser Valley for a picnic on July 17 when the father noticed the child, diagnosed with non-verbal autism, was drowning and drifting farther into the water.
“He hurriedly went to save him.”
The father of four jumped into the water. While he managed to save the boy with the help of a stranger, Arnulf was pulled under by the cold currents.
Local reports say several people who were camping nearby were able to retrieve the man. Though his family tried to resuscitate him, they were unable to do so.
Arnulf was 53, according to his family.
“The collected Funds will be used to support my family through this tremendous loss,” writes one of the organizers, who opens the page with, “It incredibly hurts my heart writing this.”
