9/11 survivor dad drowns saving kids in July boating mishap.

A Hero’s Sacrifice: 9/11 Survivor Dies Saving Children in Lake Michigan

A heart-wrenching story unfolded on Lake Michigan as Luke Laidley, a 43-year-old father of three and survivor of the September 11, 2001, terror attack, tragically lost his life while rescuing children from a boating accident.

Laidley’s heroic act took place near Elder Beach in Winnetka, Illinois, when a group of children fell into the water after their tube flipped. Without hesitation, Laidley jumped into the lake to save them, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago. After a minute submerged, he emerged and was pulled onto the boat by his companions. Despite their efforts to revive him, Laidley passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital.

Hero dad who survived 9/11 terror attacks dies saving group of kids from capsized raft on July 4th https://t.co/pGHueaPpPb pic.twitter.com/IjQRGe7tUN

— New York Post (@nypost) July 7, 2023

At the age of 21, Laidley had just started working at Morgan Stanley on the 61st floor of Tower Two when the terrorist attack unfolded. While 13 of his colleagues tragically lost their lives, Laidley managed to evacuate safely, as reported by the New York Post.

“As a survivor of the 61st floor of Tower 2,” Laidley later wrote, “I encourage all of us to count our blessings each and every day. Give of yourself and expect nothing in return. And become part of something that is greater than yourself,” his family shared.

While drownings in Lake Michigan this year remain lower than last year, according to Bridge Michigan, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. Warmer water temperatures often entice swimmers, but strong undercurrents can quickly turn a leisurely day into a tragedy. Lake Michigan has already reached temperatures in the low 70s this year.

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Laidley is survived by his wife Lauren and their three children, aged 7, 5, and 3, according to the Post. His family beautifully expressed, “Luke lived his life guided by his experiences and he had several that allowed him to bestow compassion, love, inspiration, and leadership to others. He lived a hero’s song. Luke Laidley embraced and lived this belief to the end on July 4, 2023, where he risked his life for the children who were struggling when their tube flipped on Lake Michigan.”

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