Paddleboarder, 31, Found Dead After Saving His 12-Year-Old Relative - Details

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but sadly, they were unable to save the paddleboarder's life.

A 31-year-old man has died after bravely rescuing his 12-year-old family member who was drifting out on a reservoir in Utah. Daniel Braga Figueiredo entered the water on a paddleboard to reach the girl, but tragically disappeared after ensuring her safety.

The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on July 12 at Silver Lake Flat Reservoir in American Fork Canyon. According to the Utah County Sheriff's Office, the young girl was on an inflatable tube when she began drifting farther into the reservoir.

Seeing the situation unfold, Figueiredo borrowed a paddleboard and headed out to help her. Witnesses reported that both Figueiredo and the girl ended up in the water as they struggled to stabilize themselves.

As onlookers rushed to assist, they saw Figueiredo lift the girl onto a flotation device before vanishing beneath the surface. Emergency services were immediately called, and dozens of first responders and search and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene.

After hours of searching, rescuers recovered Figueiredo's body around 9:30 p.m. The Sheriff's Office thanked all the agencies involved in the effort. In their public statement, Sergeant Ormond of the Utah County Sheriff's Office wrote, "We would like to again offer our condolences to the family."

The road to the reservoir was closed during the search for Figueiredo to give teams space to work, and officials urged the public to avoid the area.

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir and Trailhead, where the tragic incident occurred, is nestled in the mountains of American Fork Canyon, adjacent to the Lone Peak Wilderness. Originally built in 1971, the reservoir underwent major upgrades in 2015 when it was drained and expanded to improve seismic safety.

The project strengthened the dam to withstand a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, enlarged the reservoir, and created new recreation opportunities for visitors. It now also bears the memory of a profound loss, one marked by a man's heroic act to save a young girl's life.

In another unspeakable tragedy, a family outing on Alabama waters turned into a desperate search and a devastating discovery.

A 27-year-old mother of four, Brittney Sherman, lost her life after a boat collision near Bayou Sara in Saraland, Alabama, on June 15, 2025. The incident left her husband and children mourning while the community rallied around them in their grief.

Authorities confirmed that the accident occurred around 5:50 p.m. when two boats crashed into one another several miles south of the Bayou Sara Boat Launch. Brittney was a passenger in one of the boats, operated by a 19-year-old Lucedale man.

Her husband, Cody Sherman, and their four-year-old son were also onboard and sustained injuries, for which they were treated at a local hospital.

The other boat in the crash was operated by a 52-year-old man from Wilmer. Neither he nor the 19-year-old operator was injured. Unfortunately, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which is heading the investigation is yet to determine the cause of the collision.

After Brittney was reported missing, multiple agencies responded swiftly and continued their joint search through the night until about 1 a.m. on June 16.

These included the Mobile Police Department Marine and Underwater Search and Recovery Units, Mobile Fire-Rescue, Saraland Fire-Rescue, Daphne Search and Rescue, Mobile County Sheriff's Office Flotilla, and Chickasaw Fire-Rescue.

By the next morning, ALEA had taken control of the investigation and the search operations. Mobile Police confirmed that Brittney's body was recovered just before 11 a.m., approximately 100 yards from where she initially fell overboard. Officials later thanked all seven agencies involved in the exhaustive effort.

Her identity was soon confirmed by relatives. Since the accident, her husband, who has been grappling with the loss, has posted several emotional tributes on Facebook.

In one message, he expressed, "My baby and our baby. Brittney I love you more than anything in this world. I promise to take care of these babies for you sweetheart [sic]!" He added that he felt lost but was determined to honor her by being the best father he could be.

In another post, he also thanked the community for their support, "I want to say I love you guys. This world still has good people in it I am overwhelmed with all the love that has been sent our way [sic]."

Later, he posted another photo of his late wife and their family, adding, "This right here is all she ever wanted, [...] She is the absolute most perfect wife and mother to our kids [sic]."

Furthermore, Cody pleaded for prayers for their injured child, "Everyone please pray for my baby boy will make a full recovery. This little boy is the toughest person I ever met. Daddy loves you and we will get through this this [sic]!"

A day later, on June 17, his reflections continued. Cody shared, "Brittney you had a light that a lot of people seen baby girl. I find it hard to even breathe at times but I hear you telling me what to do baby [sic]!"

Several of Cody's tributes have received hundreds of comments from community members offering prayers, condolences, and shared memories of Brittney.

As ALEA continues to investigate the cause of the crash, those closest to Brittney are left with the memories of a life cut tragically short. This tragedy underscores the sudden and devastating consequences that can arise during a seemingly ordinary day on the water.