Tragic Drowning in Lincoln Heights Park Leaves Family Devastated After Autism Rescue Attempt

LOS ANGELES — A family is mourning the loss of a father who drowned while attempting to rescue his 14-year-old son with autism from a lake in Lincoln Heights, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, on April 14, 2026. Juan Andrade, described by his family as a devoted and selfless man, died after jumping into the water to save his son, who survived the incident.

The Incident

The tragic event unfolded at Lincoln Park, where Juan Andrade and his son, Kevin, were spending time near the lake. According to Michelle Andrade, Juan’s wife, the accident occurred while Juan was momentarily distracted by an emergency call from a family member. During that time, Kevin, who has autism, entered the lake. When Juan noticed his son in the water, he immediately jumped in to save him. Though Kevin was pulled to safety by a bystander, Juan drowned during the rescue attempt.

Rescue efforts to locate Juan lasted approximately 30 minutes before he was found. Both father and son were transported to General Hospital, where Juan was pronounced dead. Michelle Andrade, who works at the same hospital, was notified of the tragedy upon their arrival.

A Family’s Grief

In interviews with Eyewitness News, Michelle Andrade and the couple’s daughters, Esmeralda and another unnamed daughter, shared their devastation over Juan’s sudden death. Michelle described her husband as a hero who sacrificed his life to save their son. “I have a lot of pain in my heart. I know I’m going to miss him. He’s gone forever,” she said.

Esmeralda Andrade remembered her father as a kind and outgoing person. “He was kind and very talkative. He was a very, like, friendly person. You could easily be friends with him after talking with him a few times,” she said.

The family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support Kevin’s ongoing care. The campaign highlights the financial and emotional challenges the family now faces in the wake of Juan’s death.

Community Response

The tragedy has resonated deeply within the Lincoln Heights community and beyond, with many expressing condolences and support for the Andrade family. The incident has also reignited discussions about water safety, particularly for children with autism, who may be drawn to water but face heightened risks.

While the family grieves, they have asked for privacy during this difficult time. Juan Andrade’s legacy as a loving father and husband remains at the forefront of their memories, as they navigate life without him.

This article is based on reporting from ABC7 Los Angeles.