On August 23rd, the RCMP responded to a report of drowning at 8 o’clock in the morning in the Snye river, Fort McMurray, AB.
According to a report, a man went in the water to help his friend, who became exhausted as he tried to swim back to shore. The man was able to save his friend but drowned in the process.
The Police, together with Fort McMurray Search and Rescue, and Regional Emergency Services, conducted a search of the man’s body right away. Fortunately, they were able to recover his remains that afternoon.
The man has been identified as Jefferson Cruz.
His friends and family remember Jefferson as a kind, loyal man, who was willing to do absolutely anything for the sake of his loved ones. To him, the welfare of others mattered more than his own as clearly shown by his heroic act of kindness.
Jefferson moved to Canada in the hopes of providing his wife and son back in the Philippines a better life. He planned to bring his family to Canada so they can be together. Sadly, his death had come before his plan came into fruition.
His sudden passing has left his loved ones in shocked and distress, even more so his wife and son who had not been able to be with him in years.
His family in Alberta has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds so they can send Jefferson’s body back to his wife and son in the Philippines. They yearn to see him one last time before they lay him to rest. Any funds left will go towards his bereaved family as they will need financial support for their future without him.
May Jefferson’s soul rest in peace.