Father Dies After Saving 7-Year-Old Son in Kayak Capsize at Lake Perris; Doctors Say He Likely Suffered a Heart Attack

Hadi Ahmadi, 55, died on Dec. 6 after a kayaking accident at Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Riverside County, California. Authorities and family members say Ahmadi kept his 7-year-old son afloat after their kayak capsized, but he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

What Happened

California State Parks responded to reports of people in distress near Moreno Beach. Officers arrived by patrol vessel and found Ahmadi unconscious and partially submerged while his son, identified by local media as Arti, was conscious and clinging to him. Investigators say Ahmadi supported his son until rescue personnel reached them.

First responders pulled both father and son from the water and performed CPR on Ahmadi. He was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

Life Jackets and Circumstances

Officials noted that neither the father nor the boy was wearing a life jacket during the second outing, although a life vest was reported to be inside the kayak. Cellphone footage obtained by local media reportedly shows Ahmadi wearing a life jacket earlier in the day while kayaking, but not on the later trip when the capsize occurred.

Family and Medical Details

Ahmadi's wife, Mojgan Manafi of Corona, described him as a devoted husband and father who exercised regularly and was a strong swimmer. Manafi told reporters that doctors believe Ahmadi likely suffered a heart attack and subsequently drowned. The couple had been married for about 10 years; local outlets say Ahmadi was originally from Iran.

"He was always my hero, but now he showed more than being a hero because he saved my son," Manafi told KNBC.

Investigation and Safety Advice

California State Parks said the incident remains under investigation and extended condolences to the family. The agency reiterated that visitors recreating on or near the water should wear a Coast Guard–approved life jacket at all times.

Sources: California State Parks press release and local reporting from The Press-Enterprise and KNBC.