Luke Laidley, an Illinois man, died tragically after trying to save some children whose raft capsized on Lake Michigan on the Fourth of July. Laidley, a father of three, survived the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. When the raft that his boat was pulling flipped over, he jumped into the water to help the children who had fallen into the water and were struggling to swim.
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While trying to rescue the children, Laidley went underwater for about a minute before other people on the boat were able to get him and the children out of the water. CPR was performed, and he was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
He died a short time after arriving at the hospital.
Laidley is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their three children: Lucas, 7, Vivian, 5, and Logan, 3.
In a statement shared by ABC Chicago, Laidley's family described him as a "true family man to his core."
"His smile lit up the room. He exuded positivity and perseverance with everything he did. He loved deeply and truly with all his heart," the family's statement read.
They also said his "true passion in life was being a devoted husband and a loving father."
Laidley's family explained that after graduating from Boston College, Luke moved to New York City to work for Morgan Stanley. His second day of work was September 11. Morgan Stanley was one of the largest tenants in the second tower at the World Trade Center, where his office was located. Luckily, he got out of the building safely.
"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," he wrote of his experiences after 9/11.
"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," his family said.
