18-year-old drowns while saving little brother, Missouri dad says. ‘A true hero’

An 18-year-old is being called a hero after he drowned in the Missouri River while attempting to rescue his little brother.

It happened on Saturday, July 23, in Holt County in northwest Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Alex Harris was swimming in the river when he attempted to save another struggling swimmer.

The 18-year-old went under water and did not resurface. He was later pulled out of the river and pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

His father, Tyson Richard Harris, said it was the teen’s little brother he was saving.

“If it hadn’t of been for him keeping him up until his mother got there, they would both be gone,” the father said in a Facebook post. “I love you son and I wish every second I could take your place. You are a hero, son.”

A candelight memorial was held Sunday, July 24, at South Holt High School in Oregon, Missouri, where Alex is from. One person said on Facebook that the memorial was attended by hundreds of people.

“I wish things didn’t happen in life the way they do sometimes, but knowing you have a whole community behind you and supporting you is definitely a little bit of a help in difficult times as a good number of us have also unfortunately experienced,” Troy Cotton said on Facebook. “When tragedy strikes it truly affects a whole community, as we feel like one big family I guess and always have each other’s back.”

The school will have counselors available to students on Monday, the South Holt R-1 School District said.

Alex was described by a loved one as “the most kind-hearted kid (who) was always willing to lend a hand.”

“His smile is forever etched in my mind,” said Jodee Weis Prussman.

“You are a true hero and will be missed by so very many,” added Todd’s Creek Outfitters.

This story was originally published July 25, 2022 at 5:45 AM with the headline "18-year-old drowns while saving little brother, Missouri dad says. ‘A true hero’."