East Brunswick Man Drowns In Texas Trying To Rescue Father-In-Law

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – An East Brunswick resident died after drowning while on vacation in Texas.

Gary Wong and his father-in-law Ernest Manchin, 82, drowned at San Solomon Springs inside Balmorhea State Park.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, on June 30 Manchin was snorkeling in the deep section of the pool when he went underwater. Wong, 56, attempted to rescue him and went underwater. He did not resurface.

CPR and other life-saving measures were performed on both before they were taken to a hospital in Pecos where they were pronounced dead, officials said.

A GoFundMe has now been set up for Wong’s family.

“Gary will always be remembered for his love for tennis, being an “a-fish-ionado", his creative eye and his passion for his work, and his willingness to help a friend in need,” the GoFundMe said.

“Gary could go anywhere on earth and spot an old friend, or instantly make a new one.”

The fundraiser has been set up to help his children Grayson and Olivia with and will go toward their college fund.

As of Tuesday morning, $6,031 was raised.

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