Over60
Family & Pets

10-year-old boy dies a hero after rescuing little sister

A 10-year-old boy has died a hero after he tragically jumped into a river to save his little sister after she fell in.

Little Ricky Lee Sneve was with his father and siblings at Big Sioux River in Hudson, South Dakota on Saturday when his little sister Chevelle fell into the water.

Nicole Eufers, Ricky’s mother, explained that a number of siblings had fallen in and while his father jumped in to get two of them while Ricky went for his sister.

Ricky was able to push Chevelle back to the shore, but when his father Chad Sneve turned around, he was missing.

"He saved his sister's life and took his own," Ms Eufers told the Argus Leader.

Ricky's disappearance led to a large-scale rescue operation.

However, only a few hours later, the sheriff's office confirmed they had found the body of the 10-year-old.

"We unfortunately have a tragic update to the situation in Hudson," the release said.

"The dive team recovered the body of the 10-year-old boy. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

"Our sympathies are with the family and the first responders who assisted in the recovery."

A GoFundMe has been set up by Ms Eufers' brother after Ricky's death.

"Ricky Lee was a very intelligent and smart young boy who loved his family and was an adventurous little guy," Ricky's uncle Ricky Eufers wrote.

"He’d do anything to help his mom or anyone at that, without ever being asked. Ricky gave his life trying to do what he knew was best.

"Please help my sister Nicole have some relief in these absolutely difficult times. All donations will be sent to her relief."

Tags:
Ricky Lee Sneve, family, swimming, lake, death