Dad drowned while trying to save estranged wife and child from fast-moving river

In New Hampshire, a “heroic” father from Massachusetts tragically lost his life while trying to save his estranged wife and her teenage son from a swiftly moving river. Vincent Parr, 37, was at the White Mountains when the incident occurred on Sunday.

His ex-partner and her child were caught in the strong current of the Swift River and were unable to escape on their own. Vincent attempted to rescue them but was himself swept away by the current.

“The mother and child got to shore, and bystanders helped bring the victim to the shoreline,” police said. Parr died at the scene despite bystanders attempting CPR. 

Vincent Parr’s mother, Becky Parr, informed WBZ News that the individuals her son attempted to rescue were his estranged wife and her 19-year-old son from a previous marriage. However, the identities of the mother and son have not been disclosed.

“He knew he had to do what was right at the cost that he paid for it. And he didn’t care about the cost that he paid for it,” his mom said proudly.

In fact, “from the day he was born, he was so selfless,’’ said the grieving mom, who also goes by Becca.

“I know he didn’t think for a moment, ‘I could die,’ he just did what he could. He was a loving soul, kind-hearted and never put himself first.”

Parr’s passing occurred mere days after another Massachusetts resident, vacationing in the White Mountains National Forest, tragically drowned while attempting to save her 10-year-old son who had fallen into a fast-moving current.

Although bystanders successfully rescued Melissa Bagley’s child, the 44-year-old woman herself could not be saved.