Fil-Am drowns to death from saving dog in Chicago

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino-American community in Chicago mourns the death of their fellow Filipino-American who died from saving his pet dog in a lagoon.

“The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago expresses deep and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and love him,” the Filipino-American community said.

According to the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago, 29-year-old Michael Kevin Fernandez, passed away on Sunday while “heroically saving” his beloved Siberian Husky dog named “Sora.”

A report from CBS said Fernandez’s body was “pulled from the Lincoln Park South Lagoon on Monday, a day after he jumped in after his dog and never resurfaced.”

Both Fernandez and his girlfriend reportedly tried to rescue the dog but only the Filipino-American never resurfaced.

The CBS report added that “there are no sufficient warnings posted about the dangers of the lagoon.”

Fernandez is the son of Katherine “Kandy” Fernandez-Palacios and Yalcin Atli. Loving partner of Ashley Sandefur. He was a limo driver and a bodybuilder.

Family and friends of Fernandez set up an online fund drive at GoFundMe to help shoulder the expense of funeral service. They are trying to raise $10,000 dollars for the memorial.

As of Wednesday, they have collected $8,210 for the bereaved family.

“Michael was only 29 years old who lost his life in a way that no one could imagine. A young sweetheart that didn't have enough time to enjoy his life to the fullest, create his family, his life adventures. God took too early from this earth. Please help his family create a wonderful memorial for our dearest friend,MICHAEL FERNANDEZ,” the online fund drive read.

His memorial visitation is slated on August 30 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home in Cicero Avenue, Chicago.