"Heroic Baptismal Party Pooper Defies Dry Texas, Literally Saves Day"

Tragedy At Lake Waxahachie: Hero Dies Saving Teen, Texas Ignores Importance of Water Safety Education

Oh, Texas. A state known for its “everything is bigger” attitude just had another big event—this time, a tragic one. A 21-year-old man, Lincer López, drowned while trying to save a teenage girl from drowning. Because of course, in Texas, heroism comes with a price.

What Happened?

On a sunny Saturday afternoon around 12:45 p.m., Lincer López found himself at Lake Waxahachie, surrounded by a large church group from Garland, Texas. When the girl started struggling in the water, López dove in without hesitation, proving that real heroes don’t wear capes—they just jump in without a life jacket. Waxahachie Police Department Facebook Post

The Aftermath

The girl was rescued by a boater from Red Oak, Texas, revived with CPR, and taken to a hospital. Meanwhile, López was recovered from the lake and pronounced dead. Seriously, Texas, when will you understand the importance of water safety programs?

"The Waxahachie Police Department, along with the entire community, would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family," the Facebook post said. Yeah, save your sympathies. Actions speak louder than words.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner identified the man as Lincer López. When asked for a statement, the medical examiner's office ghosted USA TODAY. Typical. WFAA Report

GoFundMe for a Hero

In true capitalist fashion, a GoFundMe was set up for Lincer Mejía López, aiming to raise $25,000 to transport his body to Chiapas, Mexico. Because apparently, dignity also comes with a price tag.

López, the oldest of seven siblings, was a hero in every sense. The family's GoFundMe page states, "All Friends wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of LINCER MEJÍA LÓPEZ Thank you for your support and expressions of affection towards his family GOD BLESS YOU." Over $13,200 has already been raised, because even in tragedy, community matters.

'He Was a Hero'

López's family and friends shared that he was at Lake Waxahachie for a baptism. When the teenage girl started drowning, López didn’t think twice about jumping in. Baptism day turned baptism by fire. Or water, in this case.

Jacobo López, his uncle, said, "He was a hero. He didn’t think twice about rescuing someone else. He didn’t think about the risk that he could die. And he did risk his life to save somebody else’s."

Also, he was a caring provider, sending money from his construction job to his siblings in Mexico. Because real heroes care about their communities, not just the ones they save from drowning.

"He had just been baptized and gave his life to the Lord, and our family, we pray for his family, and we pray for the little girl's family," Jacobo López told WFAA. "And he was a strong boy, they should be very proud of him."

So, Texas, maybe think about investing in some water safety education. Because heroes shouldn’t have to die to save the day.