A family day at the beach in Hawaii turned into every parent’s worst nightmare on Saturday, Nov. 22, when a Navy father of five made the ultimate sacrifice to save his 9-year-old son from drowning.
Jeffrey Diaz, a Master-at-Arms 1st Class assigned to the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, was enjoying the afternoon with his children when high surf pulled young Kamden Diaz into dangerous waters.
Without hesitation, Diaz jumped in to save his son.
Reports say Diaz was at Waiapua‘a Bay with his three sons, just outside their military housing, when a powerful wave swept his 9-year-old son, Kamden, into the ocean.
Before jumping in, he instructed his 12-year-old son, Jayce, to run back to the house and alert others, ensuring help was on the way while he went in to rescue Kamden and keep his other son safe.
Would have turned 48 just one day later
His partner of 18 years, Keyonna Fairley, described the harrowing moment to KHON2: “From what my [younger] son said, he was in the middle of the ocean, and his dad was swimming with one arm trying to get him to safety.”
Fairley said Kamden climbed onto his father’s back, and Diaz, realizing the danger he himself faced, told him something that would soon become heartbreakingly famous.
“He said, ‘OK, bub, you’re going to have to get off my back. I’m going to drown,’” Fairley recalled.
Kamden survived, making it back to shore safely, but Diaz was overcome by the waves. First responders rushed to the scene at Waiapua‘a Bay, and despite life-saving efforts at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, Diaz was pronounced dead.
”An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but foul play is not suspected,” police said, according to People.
He would have turned 48 just one day later.
“He wanted nothing more than to finish his tour, retire, and spend the rest of his life with his family,” Fairley said.
“All I have now are my memories and his spirit. We’ll take our time, talk about him every day, and remind our youngest what an amazing dad he was.”
A life of service and sacrifice
Diaz enlisted in the Navy in 1997 and served with distinction on the USS Ross and at the Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, according to The Military Times.
He had recently been promoted to Master-at-Arms 1st Class and received numerous honors, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Kosovo Campaign Medal.
In addition to Kamden, Diaz and Fairley had four other children together — sons now 29, 19, 12, and a 5-year-old daughter. He also leaves behind two older children and a grandchild.
Family friends remember Diaz as the embodiment of love and devotion. Julie Jackman said, “Jeff was one of the best men I had ever known, and he showed those babies what true love really was… His memory will never fade. You truly are a hero.”
Keith Wilson, a friend and fellow Navy sailor, added, “His life ended way too soon. He died doing what he had to do to protect his youngest son. A true hero, always sacrificing himself for good… Fair winds and following seas, Jeff. Job well done.”
Jeffrey’s final words
And then there were Diaz’s last words — words he spoke directly to his youngest son as the waves crashed around them.
According to his wife, Jeffrey said to his son:
“‘I want you to go. I want you to swim. Don’t stop. You got this. Don’t give up. I love you.’”
Those words are a testament to the courage, love, and selflessness of a man who gave everything to protect his child. Rest in peace, Jeffrey!
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