A family still grateful to Red Cross medics who retrieved the body of a drowned relative more than 40 years ago have made a sizable donation to the Chapala Cruz Roja.
The Hernandez Chavira family of Guadalajara recently wrote a letter of thanks to the Red Cross along with a significant donation.
The letter, addressed to the Red Cross Rescuers Brigade of March, 1970, thanks them for finding and retrieving the body of their brother, Salvador Hernandez, who drowned in Lake Chapala at the age of 17.
“The support we received from the rescuers during one of the most difficult times of our lives was enormous,” says the letter.
“The loss of our brother Salvador still saddens us, but thanks to the Red Cross we have a little more peace knowing where his body rests.”According to an article published on March 30, 1970, the teenager, who was an excellent swimmer, failed to return from the water. It took two days to recover the body from where it was found 300 meters offshore.
Continues the family: “Our father, Jose Hernandez Arriola, always remembered all the support offered during those dark days and it was his intention to return to Chapala to personally thank all of the rescuers. Unfortunately, that was not possible. Today, as part of his wish, we write this letter.
“We are certain that the same attention and great support would have been offered today by the current rescue teams, since all of the people working as volunteers for the Red Cross are recognized as heroes and angels.”