Hero Grandfather Dies Saving Twin Granddaughters from Falling Tree Limb

In a tragic act of bravery, 77-year-old Manuel Javier Pinzon lost his life on May 28, 2025, in Dacula, Georgia, after shielding his twin granddaughters, Isabella and Gabi, from a falling tree limb. The heartbreaking incident occurred while the family was checking on a baby deer behind Manuel’s home.

Moments before the accident, the girls had discovered the fawn and returned with Manuel after lunch. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed overhead, and in an instant, Manuel shoved the girls out of harm’s way—taking the full impact of a 70-pound tree limb falling from 60 feet.

“He took the full brunt of that branch on his head,” said Jason Krause, his son-in-law. Despite the girls’ quick-thinking efforts and a 911 call by Gabi, Manuel later died in the hospital.

Manuel, remembered as a devoted family man, had fled political violence in Colombia years ago to protect his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and five grandchildren. A GoFundMe has been launched to honor his legacy.

“You died for me,” one granddaughter texted him after his passing—a testament to the love he gave until his final breath.