San Diego Man Drowns Saving Nephews From Colorado River's Swift Current Over July 4th

EL CAJON, CA — A 51-year-old San Diego man drowned in the Colorado River over the weekend while saving his two nephews, who were lost to the swift-moving water.

Jeff Brady was vacationing with family in Yuma when his nephews, a 10-year-old and 12-year-old, were swept away in the river's strong current.

"It swept the little one out, and snowballed from there," Summer Needham told KUSI reporters of the incident that claimed Brady's life. His friends established a GoFundMe page in his memory to help raise funds for his funeral expenses and a memorial, as well as to assist his family, whom Jeff was supporting.

"Jeff had recently started a new chapter of life, moving from California to Yuma, Arizona, just two months ago. He bought a new home to create a safe and peaceful space for his loved ones. Living with him were the two people who meant the world to him: Elen, the love of his life, and his 84-year-old blind father. Elen had left her job in San Diego to become the full-time caregiver for Jeff’s father, dedicating her days to love and service," Needham wrote on the GoFundMe.

Already, the fundraiser has gathered over $75,000.

While struggling to keep up with the current, the boys were rescued; however, Brady was swept under the water. His body was found hours later, downstream.

"He was a giant of a man, but his heart was pure gold," his friends told KUSI. "We would like everyone to know what a hero he was. He died with his angel wings on."

In the fundraiser, they ask for continued help while they navigate the void of his loss.

"Please keep his family and the Love of his life Elen in your prayers as we try to make sense of this loss. I am in shock and it hasn't hit me yet with the full force that I know will be coming. If you knew him, honor him by living with the same courage and kindness he showed every day. Heaven gained a Viking Angel."

To donate in his memory, visit: www.gofundme.com.