Rhode Island man dies a hero after risking his life coming to the aid of others

A family is remembering a Rhode Island man who died a hero as his body was found Monday after risking his life to help others.

Crews from multiple towns and agencies had been searching the Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence since Sunday evening for 46-year-old Javier Rivera of Woonsocket.

Rivera went into the reservoir to help boaters. While the boaters made it safely to shore, Rivera became exhausted and then disappeared into the water until he was located deceased early Monday afternoon.

Rivera’s friends and family are dealing with the shock of his sudden passing, but know that he died a hero.

The family has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for funeral expenses.