Man Dies After Saving Two Boys Who Were Drowning in New Jersey River [Video]

A man who rescued two boys from drowning in a New Jersey river on Wednesday, July 17, has died per an Atlantic County press release.

Pablo Hernandez Cruz, 49, rescued the 8-year-old and 12-year-old who were swimming in a prohibited spot in the Great Egg Harbor River, which runs through Weymouth Furnace in Hamilton Township. Neither of the children has been publicly identified, nor has any possible relationship with Cruz been established.

Hernandez Cruz brought both boys to safety but was then swept under the water before he disappeared. He was found shortly after by first responders and bystanders and administered CPR before he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Atlantic County Public Safety Director Michael Fedorko tells PEOPLE.

“[Hernandez Cruz] saw the kids were in trouble, he went in to help get him out,” Fedorko explains. “We believe this is what happened. There’s a hole in that river — …