Bodies Of 10-Year-Old Girl And Good Samaritan Who Tried To Save Her Recovered From Narragansett Bay

WARWICK, R.I. (CBS) – The Coast Guard located the body of a 10-year-old girl in Narragansett Bay off Rhode Island Monday. The recovery came hours after crews previously found the Good Samaritan who died trying to rescue her.

The girl was caught up in rip current Sunday. Valentin Cardona Sanchez had jumped in trying to save her but later drowned. Officials called Sanchez a hero, saying he didn't know the girl he was trying to rescue.

Family members say the 35-year-old always thought of others. "Born in Guatemala, he came to better his life and he was always putting people first," his niece Isamar Reyes said. "It was about his family, about everybody else before himself."

Coast Guard crews searched overnight and into Monday afternoon, when they located the girl's body.

"People walk out there and do not realize just how fast the tide comes in and can sweep them away. The current is very, very strong here," Warwick Fire Chief Peter McMichael said.

The beach does have several signs indicating there are no lifeguards and warning of possible rip currents.

Two other people were taken to the hospital.