Fundraiser for family surpasses goal
A 34-year-old Brantford man who died in Sault Ste. Marie last week is being remembered for his kindness, humor and generosity.
Andrew Heubach died after jumping into Havilland Bay to assist two children who were in the water and drifting away from an 18-foot boat. The children were wearing life jackets but Heubach wasn’t and was having a hard time staying afloat, Ontario Provincial Police said in a statement.
An adult female jumped into the water, with a life jacket to help him. She was assisted by two people in another craft who heard cries for help.
All four were brought to shore and CPR was done on Heubach without success.
Heubach was taken to Sault Area Hospital where he was pronounced dead, OPP said.
The family declined to speak to Postmedia at this time.
However, friends took to social media to express their condolences to the family and share memories of Heubach.
“I remember Andrew as one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Zena Potts, posted on social media. “He was taken too soon in a tragic accident while trying to save his young children.”
Brad Stevenson, who played football at Brantford Collegiate Institute with Heubach, called him one of the good ones.
“I remember all the good times at BCI and on the football team or just hanging out front of the school,” Stevenson said in his post. “We were just talking about you showing me how to play guitar and giving me lessons.
“I’m so heart broken for your whole family, rest easy my friend, you will be deeply missed by many.”
James Kelly also remembered Heubach from their days at BCI.
“We had a lot of fun together in high school, especially winning that football championship and many, many laughs,” Kelly said. “You were a great guy and the world is a little less bright without you in it, will miss seeing you around buddy.”
Nicole Tattrie also posted a message on social media.
“The unimaginable has happened to one of the most caring families that have always been there for me whenever I needed them,” Tattrie said. “Andrew was always there to lend a hand at the drop of a hat.”
In addition to opening up their hearts, many people also opened their wallets to support Heubach’s family.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support the family had raised $15,045 from 140 donors as of Tuesday afternoon. The goal was $15,000 and the funds will be used to support Heubach’s family during their time of grievance.
The GoFundMe page can be found at https://bit.ly/3vjiNfj.
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