Kelly Clarke was a former East Texas Youth Pastor who had moved with his family to Costa Rica earlier this year as missionaries, here he was close friends to the family of Costa Rican Pastor Manuel Garcia, and together their families were spending time together at the beach (apparently Playa Hermosa, Garabito, Puntarenas).

According to the information published by Fox51 News, Clarke and his family went swimming the afternoon of Christmas Day with Garcia and his family when Garcia’s son was dragged by a rip current, Manuel Garcia immediately went in to rescue his son, the current was strong and although Garcia was able to get a hold of his son, he was also getting pulled in by the strong ocean and struggling, Clarke went in and saved Garcia, but was pulled in by the undercurrent and drowned.

His heroic act cost him his life, Clarke leaves behind his wife and children who need help getting Clarke’s body back to his homeland for the funeral and for this reason have set up a GoFundMe account. (https://www.gofundme.com/8wzp9x-bring-kelly-clarke-home)

The New Covenant Church posted their condolences in their Facebook page, as have many friends and family members who all speak of the kind heart and great disposition Kelly Clarke had. His wife Tracey posted in the Clarke Family Missions-Costa Rica Page: “I want to take some time and say thank you all so much for everyones love…support and especially prayers going up for my family during this time. Christmas Day we saw our husband/father sacrifice his own life to save our friends (this friend was a man not a child and his name is Manuel) life. Kelly went out doing what he loved to do and what we were called to do… (the full post can be seen below)”