Carlos Serafin: Illinois grandpa dies trying to save granddaughter from frozen pond
Carlos Serafin, 31, of Houstan, Texas, died while attempting to save his 10-year-old foster granddaughter called Ma'Liyah White. The tragic incident occurred when Ma'Liyah was trying to rescue her pets from an icy pond located in Illinois. Bailey, her older sister, dashed back to her grandparents, Carlos Serafin and Bill Croy, for assistance. Carlos, who was known for his spontaneity, sprang into the freezing pond with a broom stick to save his granddaughter. Bill, on the other hand, attempted to break through the ice to locate the pair, but his efforts were futile. The Charleston Fire Department was called in to assist in the rescue attempt soon after.
The Charleston Fire Department officers were notified around 7.45 am and arrived as soon as they were aware of the unfortunate circumstances. Before leaping into the pond, the Charleston Fire Department crew put on protective cold-water suits and were able to save the victims by 8.15 am. Ma'Liyah was revived and sent to the hospital, but Carlos did not make it. The three dogs were also rescued, but one of them, named Horchata, died later. “Carlos loved those girls and all of their dogs so much,” said the foster granddaughter's aunt, Amanda Beals, who spoke with the Herald & Review. “We as a family can’t stress enough how much Carlos was a hero and how much he really loved his family and would do anything for them,” she added.
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Ma'Liyah was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital and is still in a critical condition. Although she has shown no evidence of brain activity, Amanda is optimistic that Ma'Liyah will recover because her lungs have improved slightly. "Our families want everyone to know that Carlos died a hero. He was a very spontaneous person and never thought twice about anything," Amanda told DailyMail.com.
Carlos Serafin did not have life insurance, according to Amanda, who is asking people to pray for the family as they navigate this challenging situation. She has also started a GoFundMe campaign that might help the family bear Carlos' funeral costs and Ma'Liyah's treatment. "Thursday we will probably know more about brain activity. Keep the prayers coming. As we all know there is a lot of power in prayer and there can never be too many," Amanda said in a Facebook update regarding Ma'Liyah's condition.