Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Lives of Puerto Rico National Guard Soldier and Tourist

A Puerto Rico National Guard soldier, Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz Llanos, tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue a struggling tourist at Condado Beach in San Juan on Sunday. The 34-year-old soldier, a member of the 295th Quartermaster Field Feeding Platoon, was accompanied by his family when the incident occurred. Despite extensive search efforts by local, state, and federal agencies, Cruz Llanos’s body was recovered on Tuesday, along with the body of the tourist, 20-year-old Charles Victor Daniel from Moline, Ill.

Maj. Gen. Miguel Mendez, commander of the Puerto Rico National Guard, expressed condolences to Cruz Llanos’s family and praised his bravery in attempting to save another life. Cruz Llanos, a dedicated father of three, was remembered as a helpful, polite, and committed individual by his colleagues. The Guard provided support to Cruz Llanos’s family during the search efforts, offering aviation, medical, and social work resources, as well as emotional and mental health support.

2nd Lt. Zamia López, commander of Cruz Llanos’s unit, expressed the unit’s profound grief over the loss and reiterated their unwavering support for the soldier's family. The search for Cruz Llanos involved multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, and National Guard, utilizing various resources such as Special Purpose Craft and helicopters. The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with water-related activities and the selfless dedication of individuals like Staff Sgt. Fidel Cruz Llanos.