UNION, MAINE: In a heartbreaking turn of events, a father from Hope, Maine, died while attempting to rescue his two daughters from drowning in Seven Tree Pond at Ayer Park located in Union, Maine.
Henry Brooks, 46, valiantly risked everything to save his daughters, aged 12 and 13, who were struggling in deep water. His 27-year-old son was able to grab a life jacket before jumping into the water to save his siblings and managed to bring them back to safety.
Henry Brooks' two daughters accidentally fell into a deeper section of the pond
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 8, around 4.30 pm as the Brooks family was enjoying a day out at Ayer Park. According to Sergeant Justin Fowlie of the Maine Warden Service, one of Henry's daughters accidentally fell into a section of the pond with deep water. In a desperate attempt to help her, the second daughter, who was already in the water, reached out, but both were quickly swept away by the powerful currents into an even deeper part of the pond, according to the PenBay Pilot.
Upon hearing their cries for help, Henry and his 27-year-old son sprang into action. Equipped with a life jacket, the son managed to catch his sisters and bring them to safety at a nearby dock. However, when he turned to find his father, Henry was nowhere to be seen. Authorities were immediately alerted, and a joint effort involving the Maine Warden Service, Union Fire and Rescue, and the Knox County Sheriff's Office was initiated. While search operations were conducted both by boat and on foot, their efforts to locate Henry proved unsuccessful initially.
Maine Warden Service Divers recovered Henry Brooks' body
As the search continued, three Maine Warden Service Divers were called to the scene. After a brief period of searching, they discovered Henry at approximately 7.30 pm. His body was located about 50 feet from the shore, in water measuring seven feet deep, not far from the dock where his son had brought the children to safety. The two daughters, traumatized by the incident, were immediately transported to PenBay Medical Center in Rockport, where they were kept overnight for observation and support.
Throughout the ordeal, Ayer Park, a popular spot for summer hangouts, remained open to the public during its regular operating hours. Chief Deputy Curt Andrick of the Knox County Sheriff's Office, who was present at the scene, assured the public that the park would only be closed if deemed necessary. The final decision rested with the town of Union based on recommendations from the Warden Service.
Condolences pour in for the grieving family
Local authorities expressed their condolences to the grieving family and the community as a whole. Andrick and Fowlie confirmed that this was the first recorded drowning incident at Seven Tree Pond in Ayer Park. Following the recovery of Henry's body, it was taken to Halls Funeral Home in Waldoboro, Maine, where arrangements for his last rites are to be made.
The news of the father's selfless act spread quickly through social media, prompting an outpour of support and admiration, especially on a post shared by NEWS CENTER Maine. One commented, "Wow, super sad... what a great dad to risk his own life to save theirs... that's a true hero... rip... Condolences to the family." Another person expressed, "Prayers and my deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of this courageous man," with one user adding, "This is so sad. The son with a life jacket managed to save his sisters. The dad and brother were both heroes."
