SALISBURY, MASSACHUSETTS: A heartbreaking incident occurred on September 20 when a 44-year-old father of four, Gary Simard tragically died while attempting to save his son from a perilous rip current at Salisbury Beach in Northern Massachusetts.
Gary, whose full name was Gary Matthew Simard had been enjoying a day at the beach with his family when this tragic event unfolded.
While his son was swimming in the ocean, he found himself ensnared by a powerful rip current that swiftly carried him away from the safety of the shore and deeper into the water.
How did Gary Simard die saving his son?
During the rescue attempts, Gary Simard tragically pulled a significant distance—100 yards away from the safety of the shore for over 20 agonizing minutes, resulting in his untimely passing.
Hearing his son's desperate cries for assistance, Simard didn't hesitate and immediately sprang into action, bravely attempting to rescue his child.
Thankfully, two compassionate bystanders were able to safely bring his son back to shore.
In the midst of this harrowing incident, the dire situation prompted two additional bystanders to spring into action as they witnessed the young boy being swept away by the powerful rip current.
Despite their valiant efforts, the relentless force of the current proved to be formidable.
Who were the witnesses of the Salisbury Beach incident?
Jason Evan Iarossi, an additional bystander who was present at the scene, provided valuable insights to NBC 10 Boston saying that the waves at the time were between four to six feet in height.
Robin DiNatale recounted that he heard a child's desperate cries for help, which prompted the father, Gary Simard, to immediately rush into the water to rescue his son.
However, both father and son soon found themselves in distress.
Jason Evan Iarossi, another bystander on the scene, shared that the waves at the time were sizable, ranging between four to six feet high.
Despite their efforts to reach the child in distress, the situation quickly became overwhelming, as they found themselves in water over their heads.
Iarossi also noted his belief that the water conditions had become more challenging since Hurricane Lee had passed through New England, highlighting the increased danger posed by the rough seas.
Kenny Crosby, the other bystander who attempted to aid in the rescue, described how he and Iarossi swam out to the distressed child and managed to grab his hand.
They began swimming back to shore, entering what he described as a "survival mode."
Emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene and initiated on-site CPR on Simard.
Despite their efforts, he was later rushed to the Seabrook emergency room, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
How does Simard's family remember him?
Simard's family remembers him as a hero who wholeheartedly dedicated his life to his four children.
He had a cherished tradition of taking his kids to Salisbury Beach, passing on an experience he had cherished during his own upbringing with his family.
Linda, Simard's mother, lovingly described him as ''the best father ever'' and expressed the heart-wrenching truth that he lost his life while courageously "died trying to save his son."
Linda further said, “My son is a hero. He saved his son and he lost his life for that, but he is my hero."
Simard's father, also named Gary, said, “The gentleman who went out had a decision, I guess - to save my grandson or my son. He made the right decision because he almost didn't make it."
According to Comeau Funeral Home, Gary Simard was a graduate of St Joseph’s Grammar School and Central Catholic High School, graduating as part of the Class of 1997.
Throughout his life, Gary embraced roles that defined him as a loving father, a devoted son, a caring brother, a doting uncle, and a cherished friend.
His love and dedication were particularly evident in his role as a father to his children, and in his deep and enduring partnership of fifteen years with his loving partner, Alexis T Wronski.
