Man Dies Saving Sister From Drowning

Officials say an 18-year-old Springfield, Massachusetts, man was trying to save his 14-year-old sister from drowning when he lost his own life.

Police received a call around 6:15 p.m. Friday reporting a girl was drowning in the Westfield River and her brother had gone in after her.

After the siblings were removed from the water, Roberto Martinez was unconscious and not breathing. Emergency medical technicians attempted to revive him, but Martinez. He was later pronounced dead at Noble Hospital.

Westfield Police Captain Michael McCabe tells The Westfield News that Martinez "was trying to be heroic." The chief said the sister, who was unable to swim, is reported to be all right.

McCabe said there are jersey barriers and chains to try to prevent people from swimming in the river.