The Good Samaritan who drowned last week in the Texas Hill Country trying to rescue two teens, has been identified as a former US Marine from San Antonio.

The US Marshal's Office in Bandera County says Retired Master Sgt. Rodney Buenetello was a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had completed two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

He died while trying to help rescue two teens who had fallen into the Medina River by the dam in Bandera City Park in the Texas Hill Country last week. He had just gotten to the park with his wife and two sons when he heard sounds of distress, and after safely bringing the two in need of help to shore, he was dragged under by the currents and drowned before authorities could reach him.

There is a Go Fund Me account that's been set up to help the family with funeral costs and other financial needs.  Donors have raised about $40,000 so far.

More From 107-3 KISS-FM