On July 23, 2022, Alex Harris and his younger brother Asher were swimming in the Missouri River when Asher got caught in a strong current. Alex attempted to assist him, but tragically, he ended up losing his own life in the process.
Recently, Alex’s parents opened up about the heart-wrenching experience of hearing their child’s cries for help.
According to Tyson Harris, the father of the two boys, they heard Alex calling out for help, and immediately rushed to his aid with his wife.
The water was moving rapidly, and it was an unprecedented sight for them. Alex stayed by Asher’s side until their mother arrived, after which he collapsed.
Alex’s mother, Nikki, recounted witnessing his hands slipping and him sinking, aware of his exhaustion. Despite efforts to save him, Alex’s body was discovered in the river the following day, while Asher was fortunately rescued.
Nikki, Alex’s grief-stricken mother, stated that she did everything in her power to reach him as quickly as possible.
On Facebook, Tyson conveyed the devastating news to his loved ones: his son Alex had passed away the previous day while saving his younger sibling from drowning. Were it not for Alex’s efforts in keeping his sibling afloat until their mother arrived, both might have perished. Tyson expresses deep love for his son and longs to switch places with him every moment. Alex’s bravery truly makes him a hero.
It’s understandable that Alex’s family is grieving, as his father admits to still waiting for his son to join him on their daily 15-minute commute to work.
They would spend this time together listening to music and chatting about various topics, something his father eagerly looked forward to each morning.
Now, he sits and waits, hoping to see his son once more. Alex was an employee at his father’s outfitter business and was known to be someone who simply had a positive presence and was enjoyable to be around.
Asher is said to still be struggling to come to terms with the loss of his brother and has not fully grasped the reality that he will never see him again.
In the wake of Alex’s passing, there has been an outpouring of support and solidarity. His football coach spoke of Alex as someone who always lent a helping hand to others. Even though he is no longer with us, his impact and character will be remembered.
Following this tragic event, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has stressed the importance of wearing personal flotation devices when traveling on rivers or any other bodies of water that may be unpredictable.