'He was a hero': B.C. father of 4 dies trying to save boy at Fraser Valley lake
When one of Arnulf Salazar’s young sons began drifting into deeper water at Chehalis Lake in B.C.'s Fraser Valley, the 53-year-old didn’t hesitate.
His bravery was not at all surprising to his 18-year-old daughter, Zsalve.
“He didn't even think twice about saving Zac,” she said. “He was running.”
Salazar was at the lake on July 17 for a family picnic. The father of four from Surrey jumped in and managed to reach 10-year-old Zac, who is autistic and non-verbal.
“It was just like a slip of the moment where Zac just started to drift apart from us,” Zsalve said, and described how the lake abruptly gets deeper. “Little did we know, it was shallow, and it suddenly just had a drop.”
Nick McCleary, who was just wrapping up a camping trip at the lake with his own young son and friends, was packing up when he heard shouting near the shore.
“I saw quite a group of people yelling for help and pointing out to the water,” he said. “When I looked, I saw a man and a boy struggling.”
McCleary jumped into the water and swam out to the father and son.
“I told him to pass me the boy and I had a good hold of him. I told the man I had him and I would get him to shore,” he said. “It looked like he was OK, and I looked back a couple times.”
McCleary made it shore with the boy, but when he looked again, Salazar was no longer visible.
“I was just so out of breath, I couldn't go back anymore,” he said. “I really wish I could have done more. He was a father of four. I’m a dad myself.”
Salazar’s daughter said her father was eventually pulled from the water with the help of a diver who was on scene.
“He strapped himself with a rock so he could go down, and thankfully he got my dad out,” she said. “My family and myself, we were doing CPR on him for around an hour (and a half).”
At that point, Zsalve said emergency responders arrived at the remote location, but Salazar did not survive.
“He was a great father,” Zsalve said. “I looked up to him so much. He’s inspired me just to keep pushing forward and do the things I love.”
Salazar worked as a glazier, cutting and installing glass. His daughter said he could initially appear stern, but was really sweet, and very hardworking.
“We had no idea an incident could occur at all,” she said. “Advice would be, prepare for the worst. Because it is summer, it’s getting hot. Life vests.”
Along with his daughter Zsalve, Salazar has a 22-year-old son, and his son Zac has a twin brother who is also autistic. An online fundraiser has been collecting donations to help Salazar’s family.
“Words could never express how thankful I am for everyone supporting me and my family,” Zsalve said, and added she is also grateful to those who even just read what she had written about her father on the fundraising page. “He was a hero that was gone too soon.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.