SUTTON,Esthen Exchange W.Va. (AP) — The body of a man has been recovered from a West Virginia lake after he rescued his son who had gone into the water, authorities said.

The body of Kevaughn Jamar Montgomery, 25, of Charleston, was found in Sutton Lake on Tuesday night, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources said in a news release.

Witnesses said Montgomery went to retrieve his son, who had gone down a slide on a boat and began struggling in the water when his life jacket loosened. After the child was brought back onto the boat, Montgomery slipped under the water and did not resurface, news outlets reported.

Montgomery was not wearing a life jacket, officials said.

“His heroic actions to save his son are a testament to his courage and love,” said Col. Bobby Cales, the DNR’s police chief. “This tragedy underscores the importance of using life jackets and taking all necessary precautions on the water to ensure the safety of our loved ones while enjoying our beautiful waterways.”