Teenager who drowned trying to save his 4-year-old brother hailed a hero

A heroic Missouri teen has drowned after rescuing his four-year-old brother.

On 23 July, Alex Harris was swimming with his little brother Asher in the Missouri River.

Suddenly, Asher got caught in a strong current and Alex rushed to save him, but sadly lost his own life in the process.

Now, Alex's parents have spoken to USA Today about the heartbreaking moment they heard their son calling for help.

The boys' dad, Tyson Harris said: "I heard Alex yelling for help, and my wife and I took off running.

"The water was moving so fast. I’d never seen anything like it before. Alex held Asher up until his mom got there, and then he went down."

Alex's mother, Nikki, said: "I watched his hands let go and he sank. I knew his exhaustion he was feeling."

Asher was saved, while Alex's body was recovered from the water the next day.

His devastated mother, Nikki, said: "I tried so hard to get to him faster."

Vaclav Mach / Alamy Stock Photo

Tyson went on to share the sad news on Facebook, informing his friends and family: "My son Alex passed away yesterday saving his little brother in a drowning accident. If it hadn't of been for him keeping him up until his mother got there they would both be gone. I love you son and I wish every second I could take your place. You are a hero son."

Naturally, the family are grieving Alex's death, with his father saying he is still waiting for his son to get in the car every morning before work.

"We’d drive to work together every morning, a 15 minute drive and I really looked forward to it."

"We’d listen to music and talk about stuff. Every morning I expect him to be here. I’ll sit around and wait a little bit like maybe he’s coming."

Tyson Harris/Facebook

Alex worked with his father at their outfitter business and was someone that 'people just liked being around'.

Asher is said to still be coming to terms with his brother's death but hasn't fully realised he won't see him again.

There's been an outpouring of support following Alex's death, with his football coach telling KQTV that Alex was 'just someone that would help someone else out'.

“The widespread impact of what Alex did, who Alex was, even though he’s gone, he won’t be forgotten," he added.

Since the tragic incident, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reiterated the importance of wearing personal flotation devices when on a river or any unpredictable body of water.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677