Family man with ‘heart of gold’ drowns after saving girlfriend’s nephews from river

YUMA, Ariz. (KTVK/KPHO/Gray News) - Loved ones are calling an Arizona man a hero after he drowned saving his girlfriends’ nephews from the same fate over the holiday weekend.

Authorities identified 51-year-old Jeff Brady as the man who died Saturday afternoon while rescuing two boys, ages 10 and 12, from a strong current in the Colorado River near Hidden Shores Resort in Yuma.

The boys were on the Horseshoe Island sandbar when they were pulled out by the current. Brady swam out and kept them both above water until help arrived, and the boys, who are the nephews of Brady’s girlfriend, were taken to safety.

But investigators say Brady was struggling to stay afloat and soon went under, never resurfacing. Hours later, a dive team recovered his body.

“Jeff basically put both of the kids above him, so they could breathe until they were rescued, and he, unfortunately, didn’t make it,” said Summer Needham, a close family friend.

Brady’s loved ones say his heroic final act was a true reflection of his character.

“Anybody who knew him loved him the minute they met him. He was a gentle giant. He had a heart of gold,” said Joann Ripley, another family friend.

Brady was a devoted family man who loved fishing and boating at Hidden Shores, a place his family calls their “slice of paradise.” Originally from the San Diego area, Brady and his family made the trip nearly every weekend. He later bought a home in Yuma to care for his aging father with his girlfriend.

“Everything was really coming together for him,” said family friend Craig DeGraff.

In addition to his love for the outdoors, Brady was well known in the mixed martial arts community. A former fighter himself, he worked with the Professional Fighters League and supported and sponsored athletes. Several fighters and people from the PFL community have come forward on social media, thanking him for his support.

The family is now raising funds through a GoFundMe page to help cover therapy for the boys Brady rescued and assist with expenses following his tragic death.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has other information about the investigation is asked to contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. Submissions can also be sent to YCSO’s website.