Grandfather dies of heart attack after helping save 5-year-old grandson trapped in rough waters

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) – A grandfather on vacation in Alabama died after suffering a heart attack when he ran into rough waters to save his 5-year-old grandson, according to his family.

Charles “Chuck” Graves was a father, grandfather, veteran and friend. He was visiting Dauphin Island with his family on Oct. 9 when his 5-year-old grandson was swept away by the current, WALA reports.

Without hesitation, Graves swam to save the boy. Once he got his grandson to safer waters, he handed him over to a family member and instructed him to get to shore.

But Graves didn’t follow. He was initially believed to have drowned, but his family says that was not what happened.

Graves’ daughter and daughter-in-law, Katie Hargrove and Valerie Belt, fought back tears as they shared the pain of that day.

“We think at that point Chuck already knew something was wrong or something was going on because he never tried to swim even though he was already out of danger,” Belt said. “That’s when we realized he was having a heart attack, which is what took him.”

Charles “Chuck” Graves (standing at right) is being remembered as a family man who put others... — Charles “Chuck” Graves (standing on the right) is remembered as a family man who put others first and always saw the positive in every situation.(Source: FOX10 News)

Graves is remembered as a family man who put others first and always saw the positive side of every situation. Originally from Kentucky, he and his wife, Maura, decided to move to Southwest Florida, where his family says he liked the warm climate and adapted easily to the Gulf Coast.

Graves had three children and four grandchildren, and his family says he always opened his heart and arms to those around him.

“He loved them all,” Belt said.

Although Graves is gone, his positive mindset, kind heart, and important lesson will live on for generations.

“Family is important,” Belt said. “That was always the only thing he wanted: he just wanted all his kids together all the time. He was definitely one of a kind.”

The family says they will always follow the lessons Graves taught them, keeping their family close and putting them first.

Graves and his wife planned to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in January, his family says.