9/11 Survivor Dad Dies Saving Kids on Capsized Raft on July 4th
Luke Laidley lived and died a hero.
On September 11, 2001, Luke Laidley walked into his office at Morgan Stanley for his second day at work. He had just graduated from Boston College in the spring and landed a coveted job with the largest tenant in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. After planes crashed into the two towers, he safely evacuated from the 61st floor of the South Tower, surviving the most deadly terrorist attack in US history. However, on July 4 the father-of-three died while rescuing children in Lake Michigan.
According to reports. Laidley, 43, was celebrating the holiday on Lake Michigan near Winnetka, a suburb of Chicago. He was on a boat when he noticed nearby that children had fallen off their inner tubes and were struggling to stay afloat at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, per ABC 7 Chicago.
He jumped into the water to rescue some of the kids who were struggling to swim. According to Winnetka officials, he spent a minute submerged before appearing with the children, getting them to safety.
Laidley was pulled back onboard the raft. CPR was administered immediately. Emergency responders brought him to Evanston Hospital in serious condition. Shortly after arriving, he was pronounced dead.
Winnetka Fire Chief John Ripka told the Chicago Tribune called his death "tragic" and revealed if Laidley suffered a medical emergency while jumping in to save the children or if he drowned.
"A true family man to his core, not only with his own wife and kids, but an incredible brother to his 5 siblings, in-laws, and uncle to 17 nieces and nephews. His smile lit up the room. He exuded positivity and perseverance with everything he did. He loved deeply and truly with all his heart," a statement from his family read.
"Luke lived his life guided by his experiences and he had several that allowed him to bestow compassion, love, inspiration, and leadership to others. He lived a hero's song," the statement read. "Luke Laidley embraced and lived this belief to the end on July 4, 2023 where he risked his life for the children who were struggling when their tube flipped on Lake Michigan." Luke was an organ donor, so his family maintains he will continue to give. "A life lived with purpose. A life lived to serve for others. A life lived as a hero."
