- Maria Elvia died after trying to save her youngest daughter from drowning in a Georgia lake, according to local reports
- Yvonne Sanchez, one of Maria’s four children, described Maria via GoFundMe as “a devoted mother and wife who always put her family first”
- Sanchez and her family are now seeking support from their community as they cope with Maria’s sudden death
A mom died while attempting to save her daughter from drowning in a Georgia lake. Now, her family is seeking support from their community.
Maria Elvia and her kids were visiting Stone Mountain Park on Saturday, Aug. 2, when her 9-year-old daughter slipped off a rock and into the lake, according to NBC affiliate WXIA-TV and WALB.
Despite not knowing how to swim, Maria jumped into the water to try and save her daughter, WALB and FOX affiliate WAGA-TV reported.
Maria’s son also jumped in the water and was able to get his sister to safety, per the reports. He and Maria’s husband then tried to save the mother, but were unable to do so.
A police officer reportedly managed to recover Maria, who was taken to a hospital. She spent days in the intensive care unit before she ultimately died.
Maria leaves behind a husband and four children, the youngest being the one whose life she saved, according to a GoFundMe campaign started to support her family following her sudden death.
Her daughter, Yvonne Sanchez, who organized the online fundraiser, is now asking her community for help.
“Maria Elvia was a devoted mother and wife who always put her family first,” Sanchez wrote on GoFundMe. “She cared deeply for her children and husband, and her final act was one of selfless love and courage.”
Sanchez later said the funds raised through the online fundraiser will go toward covering Maria’s ICU and hospital bills, funeral expenses, and “shipping her body to her home country,” which Sanchez said “was her wish.”
“This will also be [used] to provide ongoing support for her husband and children as they navigate this difficult time,” Maria’s daughter explained. “Any contribution will help ease the financial burden on her family and honor Maria’s legacy of love and sacrifice.”
More than $15,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaign as of Friday, Aug. 8.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated or shared their support during this incredibly difficult time,” Sanchez wrote.
