A father has been hailed as a hero after sacrificing his life to save his 12-year-old daughter when their car plunged into a reservoir in Brazil.
John Vernek Figueira, 33, managed to escape the sinking vehicle with his daughter and gave her crucial instructions to swim to safety, ensuring her survival.
The pair had been driving home along a rural road in Roncador when tragedy struck.
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Authorities suspect Figueira lost control of the car, leading to the accident.
After the vehicle hit the water, both father and daughter escaped into the reservoir, where Figueira urged his daughter to swim towards the shore.
He followed behind but tragically failed to make it to dry land, sinking beneath the surface.
In an extraordinary act of bravery, the young girl walked over three kilometers (1.9 miles) in the dark along a desolate road to find help.
Her perseverance paid off when she finally reached someone who could call emergency services.
The fire brigade received the alert around 8 p.m. on Friday, November 29, and promptly launched a search operation.
Sadly, Figueira’s body was recovered hours later, at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 30.
His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his loved ones, including his wife, two daughters, a son, and a stepson.
The community of Roncador mourned his loss deeply, with Figueira remembered during a funeral service on Sunday, December 1.
An obituary described him as “widely known, respected, and admired for his friendship and charisma.” His selfless actions in his final moments have left a lasting legacy of courage and devotion.
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SOURCE: Hero dad told daughter, 12, how to save herself before drowning in reservoir
