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Boy, 10, dies saving little sister from drowning in river

A 10-year-old boy has died after he heroically saved his little sister who had fallen into a river.

On Saturday, Ricky Lee Sneve, 10, was at the Big Sioux River in Hudson, South Dakota with his father and siblings.

Nicole Eufers, Ricky's mother, told the Argus Leader a few of his siblings had fallen into the river, his father jumped in to get two of them and Ricky jumped in to save his sister Chevelle.

Ricky Lee Sneve in a school photo.
Ricky Lee Sneve died saving his little sister from drowning in the Big Sioux River, South Dakota. Source: GoFundMe

Ricky was able to push Chevelle back to the shore, however when his father Chad Sneve turned around, he was missing.

"He saved his sister's life and took his own," Ms Eufers told the Argus Leader.

Ricky's disappearance led to a large scale rescue operation, with first responders from multiple counties and agencies searching for him in the river, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said in Facebook.

Police confirm tragic news after finding body

However, just hours later, the sheriff's office confirmed they had found the body of the 10-year-old.

"We unfortunately have a tragic update to the situation in Hudson," the release said.

"The dive team recovered the body of the 10-year-old boy. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

"Our sympathies are with the family and the first responders who assisted in the recovery."

A GoFundMe has been set up by Ms Eufers' brother after Ricky's death.

The Big Sioux River as seen from an overpass.
Ricky Lee Sneve was with his father and siblings at the Big Sioux River. Source: Google Maps

"Ricky Lee was a very intelligent and smart young boy who loved his family and was an adventurous little guy," Ricky's uncle Ricky Eufers wrote on the GoFundMe.

"He’d do anything to help his mom or anyone at that, without ever being asked. Ricky gave his life trying to do what he knew was best.

"Please help my sister Nicole have some relief in these absolutely difficult times. All donations will be sent to her relief."

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

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