Miguel A. Lopez Jr

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23rd, About 25 family members and friends rented a vacation house in the Poconos to spend the holiday together. My husband, the love of my life, Miguel Lopez, tragically drowned in Emerald Lake. Miguel was an amazing husband, father, son, cousin, uncle and friend. He was the son of Melinda Correa and Miguel Lopez Sr. He left this Earth saving a life. He left this Earth a fighter. He left this Earth a warrior.

What was supposed to be a time of celebration quickly turned into the worst day of my life. The air was crisp but it was a sunny day. We were all in the backyard of the vacation house. Miguel loved to be around children and decided to go kayaking with two family members' children, after all he loved kayaking and the water. He was a very gentle, yet strong person, mentally and physically. His 11 year old nephew was in a single kayak near them. They had floated about 100 feet from shore, when his nephew’s kayak overturned. Miguel sprung into action and jumped into the lake. He saved his nephew though the water was too cold for him to save himself. Many family members tried lifesaving efforts though nothing worked. The loss of Miguel has devastated all of us to the core.This holiday season was supposed to be a time of celebration and instead we are mourning the loss of someone who would give you the shirt off his back.

It’s hard for me to imagine that I am a widow at 30 years old. We were supposed to grow old together. We met when he was 20 and I was one year younger. He became a father at 19. He didn’t want to follow the footsteps of many he saw in the streets of Philadelphia. He worked and went to school and earned an associates degree in criminal justice at age 20. He loved his 12 years old daughter dearly and always provided for her. He was a hard worker and bought his first house at 24. We got married at 25 and built a life and loved each other to the end. We grew up together. He was a dedicated and loving husband. We just celebrated our 11th year anniversary. We loved each other so much. He would always help with house work like the laundry, dishes, and cooking. He was my knight in shining armor. He loved to do pranks with the teddy bear which would make me laugh and smile. He was such a blessing, helpful and kind person. He was a good father, brother, son, cousin and a friend to many.

My dear Miguel was very adventurous and athletic.He worked out several times a week..He competed in and finished 5 Spartan races. We, the family, have decided to compete in a Spartan race in 2024 in his honor. He was a good dog dad to Thor and would often take him walking and running. My husband was the person to go to when family and friends didn't know who to turn to. He was a man of few words but when he had something it would either be profound or would make us laugh. He was often calm in the storm and now the family is experiencing the biggest storm we have ever faced. He dedicated his life helping others to the end. Everyone, children, teengagers, and adults in the house witnessed this tragedy. Please pray for us as well seek healing from this trauma.

Nothing can prepare you for this. We are shocked and paralyzed by this loss. My family, my friends and my faith have gotten me this far. Not only have I lost my best friend, he was also a significant part of the family’s financial support. Please help us with the cost of planning a funeral and other expenses. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but coping with a sudden loss of my young vibrant 31 year young husband adds a different element to the grieving process.

Any contribution will be an encouragement to my family, his daughter and me. We appreciate any donation more than you know. Miguel is gone though we will always remember him and always love him. Please keep my family in your prayers. Thank you.

This is the last photo I have of him. This is how I will cherish him as the love of my life.