In a heart-wrenching display of selflessness, a father sacrificed his life to save his 7-year-old son after their kayak overturned in a lake near Los Angeles. This tragic incident unfolded over the weekend, leaving a community in mourning.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation reported that emergency responders discovered the young boy clinging to his father’s lifeless body in Lake Perris on Saturday afternoon. This followed distress calls from bystanders who heard screams and witnessed the dire situation unfolding.

Authorities believe that the 54-year-old father, whose identity remains undisclosed, heroically kept his son above the water’s surface, ultimately drowning in the process.

After being pulled from the water, rescuers immediately performed CPR on the father before he was rushed to a Riverside hospital. Sadly, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Meanwhile, the young boy received medical attention and was evaluated at the hospital, according to statements from the Parks Department. This incident stands as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary lengths to which parental love will go.

Neither the dad nor his son had on a life jacket when their kayak flipped, even though state law requires children 12 and under to wear them on any moving water vessel.

Michelle Juarez was boating on the lake when she came upon the desperate struggle to save the father’s life.

“I would say it was … at least 45 minutes that CPR was going on … We could hear from the boat [someone] saying, ‘Take the child to the ambulance,’” she told OnScene.TV.

Another panicked family member looked on as rescuers struggled to save the man, the outlet added.

“California State Parks extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” the Parks Department wrote, urging boaters to always wear life jackets.