A four-person family decided to spend their weekend along the Missouri River to avoid the summer heat. They had no idea that the enjoyable day would soon be eclipsed by a shocking tragedy that would end their lives.
Every parent wants to instill in their children strong moral and ethical principles from a young age. Each child has a unique learning style. Some people learn best by copying the actions of their elders and paying attention to their environment, while others prefer to experiment and consider other choices.
However, occasionally children may show such endearing, admirable, and admirable behaviors that they end up inspiring and winning millions of hearts. The young kid featured in the tale we’re sharing today changed numerous lives with his amazing act of kindness.
FAMILY DAY
The Harris family had decided to make the most of their weekend by heading to the riverfront on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Alex Harris, 18, and Asher Harris, 4, were present with their parents, Tyson Richard Harris and Nikki Harris.
Despite having a 14-year age difference, Tyson and Nikki claimed that their boys have a special bond with one another. Following his June graduation from South Holt High School in Oregon, Alex began assisting his family’s outfitter business there.
A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN
Tyson said that his son was very trustworthy and that he could always depend on him. Every morning, the father-and-son team rose early to move thousands of decoys around the fields.
They not only delighted in their work but also in each other’s company. People loved his older kid very much, according to Tyson, and many repeat customers told him they recalled Alex.
IN AID OF RESCUE
Alex had a heart of gold, according to his parents, and that was just how he was by nature. It was so expected that he reacted swiftly when his younger brother, Asher, encountered problems during their weekend outing.
Little Asher was reportedly trapped in a strong river when Alex was swimming in the Missouri River. His parents heard the teen’s cries for assistance and ran toward their sons.
THE SALVATOR HERO
Tyson remarked that the water was moving so quickly that he couldn’t recall ever seeing anything like it as he and Nikki hurried to reach their kids.
The father reported seeing Alex support Asher until their mother arrived, after which he descended. Nikki described:
I observed as his hands relaxed and he fell. I understood how worn out he was. I gave it my all to get to him sooner.
On July 23, while attempting to save his younger brother, Alex fell into the water and did not come to the surface, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Tyson remarked of his son, a warrior, “My boy is a hero. He would repeat the same action if he had to do it more than 100 times. He would not go from Asher.
A POWERFUL BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP
Despite having a 14-year age difference, Tyson and Nikki claimed that their boys have a special bond with one another. A few days before his passing, Alex is reported to have been seen on the family’s security video soothing little Asher after the latter hurt his knees after falling from his bike.
According to Tyson, his young child is aware that his elder brother saved his life and has been spreading the news that Alex is in paradise. But the grieving father admitted that he and his family are still finding it difficult to accept Alex’s passing.
Tyson sobbed as he recalled their daily 15-minute commute to work and how much he missed talking to his son and listening to music. “I anticipate seeing him here every morning. An emotional “I’ll wait here and pretend he’s coming,” was added. Tyson
The words “I Love You”
The grieving father wrote on Facebook on July 25 that his teenage son had perished in a drowning accident while attempting to save his infant brother. “If it hadn’t been for him keeping him up until his mother got there they would both be gone,” Tyson continued. I adore you, kid, and I constantly wish I could step into your shoes. Son, you are a hero.
Breaking forever
On July 27, Nikki posted a heartfelt tribute to her precious baby who bravely saved his brother on Facebook.
The bereaved mother admitted that she was proud of her hero son and that she longed to see and embrace him once again. Additionally, she said, “Forever will I be broken, but you are my hero in more ways than you’ll ever know.”
KEEPING MESSAGE
On social media, a lot of individuals who knew Alex, including friends and relatives, sent kind words for him:
“We said our last goodbyes to Alex Harris today, which was extremely devastating. Fly high, buddy; you’ll be remembered in every decoy set this season.
July 30, 2022 (@karlicurtisstecklein)
“Alex Harris was the sweetest young man, always wanting to help out! His smile left an indelible impression on me. I will be praying for his family and friends well-being in the coming days. He had such a profound impact on people’s lives.
THINKING BACK TO THE YOUNG MAN
On July 24, South Holt High School held a candlelight memorial in memory of the deceased hero. The community came together in a moving ceremony to commemorate Alex, and the lights at the football pitch blazed in his honor.
It was said that there weren’t enough candles for everyone who came to remember Alex. April Allen, Alex’s teacher, said of him: “Alex was a poster child for a small-town kid: big heart, always willing to help others, and he put his life on the line, which he did.”
Alex was the same kindhearted and kind person Josh Peterson, a football coach, said he knew both on and off the pitch. I know a number of our players have played with him, he continued. They are heartbroken. As a result, this season will largely be devoted to Alex, played in his honor and line with his style of play.
The phrase “YOU WILL BE MISSED”
McFadden Media covered the memorial service for Alex at candlelight. “Alex had a huge heart for his close friends and especially his family,” said the caption of their Facebook post. Many people will miss you. Rise upward, hero.
Nikki once more came to Facebook on August 5 to share her heartbreaking grief at the loss of her son. “On July 23, I suffered a loss that was greater than I could have ever imagined,” she wrote. That day, he not only took a piece of my heart with him, but I also lost my son.
Nikki caught COVID-19 four days after Alex passed away. She acknowledged that things had improved, thanking everyone who had reached out and helped her through the tough times.
The Harris family did through truly painful and soul-crushing suffering. The worst nightmare of any parent is losing their child. We extend this family our sincere sympathies, prayers, and love. We are confident that Alex is keeping an eye on his younger brother from above.
A different account of a child who dove into the river when he saw a car going into the water to save three girls and a police officer.