Utah County man remembered as a hero after drowning while saving family member
Jul 18, 2025, 8:00 AM
Daniel Braga Figueiredo and family (Gofundme)
(Gofundme)
HIGHLAND — Friends and family are mourning the loss of a Utah County man who died a hero over the weekend while rescuing a loved one at Silver Lake Reservoir.
Daniel Braga Figueiredo, 31, drowned Saturday evening after helping his 12-year-old sister-in-law, who was struggling in the water while paddleboarding. According to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Figueiredo went under and never resurfaced.
“We were able to recover him, unfortunately, he was found deceased,” said Sgt. Ray Ormond with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
Those who knew Daniel say his final act of bravery was a true reflection of the life he lived.
“People who knew Daniel knew that his main goal, his main priority, would be to take care of his family,” said Gabriel Coelho, a close friend. “The world was a happier place with Daniel in it.”
Daniel was known for his joyful spirit and his devotion to his wife and three young children — the youngest just one month old. A photo shared on a GoFundMe page shows the young family smiling together, a moment now cherished by those left behind.
“His family was his most cherished thing,” Coelho said. “They always liked to be outdoors, exploring together.”
The tragedy occurred around 7 p.m. Saturday, prompting an immediate search and recovery effort. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, Daniel’s loved ones say his legacy will live on.
“We want to honor his legacy of service, his legacy of putting himself out there to help others,” Coelho added. “His final selfless act doesn’t come as a surprise — it’s the perfect reflection of who he was.”
A *GoFundMe has been set up to support Daniel’s wife and children during this difficult time.
*KSL NewsRadio does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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