'Superhero' Dad of 4 Dies After Getting Caught in Rip Current While Trying to Save Son at Mass. Beach

Gary Simard's longtime partner said she will be "forever grateful for his sacrifice"

A Massachusetts father of four died Wednesday after he tried to save his son from a rip current, a district attorney said.

Gary Simard, 44, was "enjoying the day with family" at Salisbury Beach Wednesday afternoon when his son was dragged away, Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker told CBS affiliate WBZ-TV.

An eyewitness said the dad struggled in the water after he ran into the ocean, according to WBZ-TV and ABC affiliate WCVB-TV.

Robin DiNatale, who called 911, told WCVB-TV she heard someone scream for help and saw Simard run in. Then, once he was with his son, he began to scream for help too.

Related: Here's What to Know About Rip Currents — and What You Can Do to Stay Safe In One

Two men charged into the ocean to help and pulled the child to shore, but Simard couldn't be found, WBZ-TV, WCVB-TV and WHDH-TV reported.

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Related: Florida Dad Dies After Saving Friend's 6-Year-Old Child from Drowning: 'He Is a Hero Now,' Says Wife

Police and firefighters responded to the 266 North End Boulevard area and were able to locate Simard before he was given CPR, per reports. The father later died at the Seabrook Emergency Room.

Police said the family had been renting a house at the beach when the accident occurred, per WCVB-TV.

The Essex County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Related: N.Y.C. Woman and Her ​​7-Month-Old Golden Retriever Drown in Vermont River: 'We Are Devastated'

Alexis Wornski, Simard's longtime partner, told WCVB-TV that Simard saved her "baby" and "died as a superhero."

"I know if he had the opportunity to save his son, he would do it again," Wornski said, adding that she will be "forever grateful for his sacrifice."

The 44-year-old was also praised for his bravery in a message on GoFundMe campaign launched by his sister. "Gary truly was a hero who not only dedicated his life to his children but literally gave his life for them," read a message on the page.

"We are raising money to help offset the cost of funeral expenses as well as the needs of Gary’s four young children," the message continued. "Gary lived his whole life for his family."

As of Friday morning, more than $42,000 had been raised.

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