A 31-year-old man has tragically lost his life while rescuing his 12-year-old relative from danger at Silver Lake Flat Reservoir in American Fork Canyon, Utah. Daniel Braga Figueiredo’s selfless act saved a young life, but cost him his own.
The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on July 12, when the young girl was seen drifting away on an inflatable tube into the reservoir. Figueiredo quickly sprang into action, borrowing a paddleboard to reach her.
Witnesses reported that both Figueiredo and the girl ended up in the water during the rescue attempt. In a final act of bravery, he managed to lift the girl onto a flotation device before disappearing beneath the surface.
Emergency crews and search and rescue volunteers rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to locate him. After more than two hours of searching, Figueiredo’s body was recovered around 9:30 p.m.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep condolences to the family in a public statement, praising the efforts of all agencies involved in the search. Sergeant Ormond said, “We would like to again offer our condolences to the family.”
The road leading to the reservoir was temporarily closed during the search, with officials urging the public to stay clear to allow first responders to work safely.
Nestled in the mountains of American Fork Canyon, Silver Lake Flat Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The reservoir was upgraded in 2015 to improve seismic safety and increase its capacity. Now, it also serves as the site of a heartbreaking story of heroism and loss.
Another Tragedy: Young Mother Killed in Alabama Boat Crash
Just weeks earlier, another devastating water-related tragedy unfolded in Alabama, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.
On June 15, 2025, 27-year-old Brittney Sherman — a mother of four — died after a boat collision near Bayou Sara in Saraland, Alabama. Her husband, Cody Sherman, and their four-year-old son were also injured in the crash.
The accident happened around 5:50 p.m., several miles south of the Bayou Sara Boat Launch. Brittney was a passenger in a boat operated by a 19-year-old from Lucedale. The other boat involved was driven by a 52-year-old man from Wilmer. Fortunately, neither of the operators was injured.
Multiple agencies responded immediately, including the Mobile Police Department Marine and Underwater Search and Recovery Units, Mobile Fire-Rescue, Saraland Fire-Rescue, and others. The joint search continued through the night until Brittney’s body was recovered just before 11 a.m. the next morning.
Her husband, Cody, has since shared heartfelt tributes on social media, expressing his grief and love for his late wife.
“I promise to take care of these babies for you,” he wrote in one post. “This world still has good people in it. I am overwhelmed with all the love that has been sent our way.”
Cody also shared photos of Brittney and their family, calling her “the absolute most perfect wife and mother.” He asked for prayers for their injured son, calling him “the toughest person I ever met.”
As the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) continues to investigate the cause of the collision, the community continues to rally around the grieving family.
