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Fort Pierce grandfather dies saving 5-year-old grandson

Posted at 7:55 PM, Feb 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-14 12:25:52-05

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — It's that time of year when the colors pink and red take over the crafts table.

But for the Evans this Valentine's Day will be like none other before.

"I miss him," Noah Evans said.

Two children honored someone special, Wednesday.

"He was the love of my life," Martha Evans said.

His name was Paul Evans and to his family, he died a hero.

"He's my hero, he would have done anything like that for a stranger on the street," Tiffany Evans said.

Last week Paul his wife, Martha and their two grandchildren were fishing when 5-year-old Noah caught a large fish, lost his balance and fell into the Intracoastal Waterway.

"I heard a big splash and when I turned to look then I seen my husband and he just sort of flopped in," Martha recalled.

Paul was terminally ill and used oxygen around the clock. But when he saw his grandson in trouble he jumped in to help. Knowing his condition Martha jumped in as well.

"So, then I went over to my husband and tried to flip him over but no matter what I did I couldn't get him over and he was just stuck that way," she said.

Eventually, a Good Samaritan came over with a boat and helped get the family out of the water, but for Paul it was too late.

"And I saw my mom asked where my dad was and she said he was gone," Tiffany Evans said.

Now, this family is holding one another close knowing their hero is no longer in pain.

"He took care of all of us for 60 years"

"And he loved us very much."

The family says they are working to raise money to get Paul cremated.