A father has died while heroically saving a friend's child from drowning after the youngster got into difficulty in the water.
Adem Qorri, 40, from Florida, had taken his kids out to Anclote River Park with his friend Dale Furness, when Furness's six-year-old son Carso got caught in a riptide.
WTVT reports that Qorri, who was originally from Kosovo, had jumped in to save Carson but lost consciousness while in the water.
A boater nearby was able to pull Qorri from the water a short while later and he was taken to a local hospital where he was tragically pronounced dead.
Furness had shared a tribute to Qorri on Facebook, writing: "I will forever remember you! The love that you had for my family and I, will never be forgotten!"
Carson's mother Mallory Hutchinson added to WTVT: "I can't even say how thankful I am."
She revealed that the six-year-old had "got to the ledge where the sandbar dropped off" before her 10-year-old son attempted to help him, but needed rescuing too.
Furness and other boaters were able to get the children to safety but were not able to save Qorri.
Hutchinson added: "My son said that he was calling for help, and he was screaming he was sorry.
"My six-year-old, he saved his life. He wouldn't be here. It would be me in this situation."
She continued: "I can't even put into words my gratitude. I can't even say how thankful I am. There are no words that will ever replace him."
Qorri's wife Blerta described him as "the best dad ever", adding: "I would say he would do it again over and over and over, and he wouldn't think about it. He is a hero now."
A GoFundMe was set up to help the family, with its $50,000 goal being exceeded just three days after it was set up by a cousin.
They wrote: "Hi, my name is Migena and I'm raising a fundraiser for my cousin Blerta Qorri and her kids. This poor family lost their husband/daddy yesterday.
"Adem Qorri passed away a hero and drowned in the ocean while saving a kid. He was out on a boat with his friends and their children and Adem's sons are traumatized by the events that took place.
"My heart hurts so bad for his boys and wife and I'm so sorry for their loss. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and if you can help them in any way."
Qorri's family is considering sending his body to be buried in his native country of Kosovo, after the New Port Richey auto shop owner arrived in America as a refugee from the Balkan conflict in the 90s.
Our thoughts remain with Qorri's family and friends in the wake of this tragedy.
