Great dad' who died saving 7-year-old son from drowning on California lake was strong swimmer, wife says

"The 55-year-old father was credited with saving his 7-year-old boy's life after their kayak capsized and the two spilled into the water on Saturday at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area. But Ahmadi lapsed into unconsciousness, and even though Artin kept his father afloat, Ahmadi died at Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley after being pulled from the water. Doctors believe he had a heart attack, Manafi said."

"They found Ahmadi unconscious and partially submerged, a State Parks news release said. Artin was in distress, but conscious and holding his father, helping to keep himself above water, the release said. Investigators noted that the father heroically kept his son afloat throughout the ordeal, supporting him until rescue personnel arrived. Officers performed CPR on Ahmadi before he was taken to the hospital. Doctors also evaluated Artin, who his mother said was also a good swimmer."

Hadi Ahmadi, 55, and his 7-year-old son Artin capsized their kayak Saturday at Lake Perris State Recreation Area, spilling into the water. Ahmadi kept his son afloat and Artin held his father while rescue personnel arrived. Officers found Ahmadi unconscious and partially submerged and performed CPR before he was transported to Riverside University Health System Medical Center, where he later died; doctors suspect a heart attack. Neither father nor son wore lifejackets, though one lifejacket was in the kayak; state law requires boaters 12 and younger to wear one. Ahmadi was a frequent exerciser and a strong swimmer. He was born in Iran and lost his father at age nine.

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