A Florida sailor stationed in Hawaii died after heroically rescuing two children in Waiapua‘a Bay.

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, of Florida, died Saturday, according to a news release from the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD).

Diaz, who was stationed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Barking Sands, jumped into the water to rescue two children who were struggling in the high surf, according to the release.

While the children made it back to shore safely, police said Diaz encountered trouble in the water.

Personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services Department later pulled Diaz from the water and began lifesaving efforts.

He was taken to the Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“We are heartbroken by

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