Who is Rolando Camarillo-Cholula? New Jersey man drowns after rescuing his 3 children from Millstone river
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Rolando Camarillo-Cholula, 42, a father-of-three tragically died on Wednesday, August 2, after rescuing his children from drowning in a river near Franklin Township, New Jersey. The incident occurred around 2:13 pm, as reported by People, who cited a 911 call received by the Franklin Township Police Department at the same time.
His children, two boys and one girl aged 13, 11 and eight, were swimming in the Millstone River, a 39-mile-long tributary of the Raritan River in central New Jersey when they reportedly became distressed by the water currents. Camarillo-Cholula, 42, dashed into the water and managed to pull them to the shallow water. After the children were safe he struggled to stay afloat, but drowned.
Who is Rolando Camarillo-Cholula?
"[Three children] went into the water and quickly became distressed. The victim went into the water to help, pulled his children to the shallow water, but struggled to maintain his balance," the police department said in a statement. The officers who responded to the scene found the children out of the water but were unable to locate Rolando who told to be from South River. The children were treated by medics at the scene and released. They did not require additional medical attention.
Rolando Camarillo-Cholula was recovered three hours later
His body was recovered by divers after a three-hour search. Franklin Township Police Lt Vincent Wilson said the dotting father had died at some point after the 911 call was made. Wilson, as per the reported news release, said the deceased was recovered by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Dive Team. At 5.28 pm, divers from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office were able to recover Camarillo-Cholula’s body. The police are investigating and stated the "factors that contributed to the incident" are under investigation.
Police warns about dangers
The police department besides expressing condolences issued a reminder of the dangers in the river. “The Franklin Township Police Department would like to remind residents that causeways, lakes, and all waterways can hide dangers like hidden currents, sudden depths, and cold shock. When travelling along the canal and towpath, please look for postings that provide guidance regarding prohibited areas and activities,” police said in the statement.
Departments that were involved in search and rescue
The Millstone Valley Fire Department as well as fire officials from the neighbouring municipalities of Griggstown and Franklin Park, according to the Franklin Township Police Department, provided assistance, Daily Mail reported. They had firefighters from Somerset Fire and Rescue, fire marshals from Franklin, not far away, and policemen from Montgomery and South Brunswick. Even though the man's body was finally recovered by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Dive Team, NJ State and State Park Police confirmed they also contributed to the long search operation.