Man Who Died Trying to Save Boy From Icy Pond Called a Hero

COLUMBUS -- Alana Gamble says she’s not surprised that her boyfriend, 30-year-old James Russell Jenkins jumped into a pond to save a little boy who had fallen through some ice behind an apartment complex in Columbus.

Jenkins did not survive. The little boy is in critical condition at Nationwide Children’s hospital.

Gamble says it was his character to help others no matter what, “This is him, this is how he lived his life. Anybody who knows him will tell you that was Russell.”

Witnesses say Russell grabbed the boy and held him in the water as long as he could, before they both went under.  Jenkins was pulled from the water after 49 minutes, while the boy was under for 61 minutes.

Friends and family left candles and stuffed animals, making a small memorial in the spot where Jenkins jumped into the pond.

Even in his death Jenkins is still a hero. According to the Franklin County Coroner Jenkins is a tissue donor.COLUMBUS -- Alana Gamble says she’s not surprised that her boyfriend, 30-year-old James Russell Jenkins jumped into a pond to save a little boy at 4499 Lakeside South. Jenkins did not survive. The little boy is at Nationwide Children’s hospital. Gamble says it was his character to help others no matter what. “This is him, this is how he lived his life. Anybody who knows him will tell you that was Russell.” Friends and family left candles and stuffed animals, making a small memorial in the spot where Jenkins jumped into the pond. Even in his death Jenkins is still a hero. According to the Franklin County Coroner Jenkins is a tissue donor.

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