These types of things happen everyday around the country and other than local news, you never hear anything about it. As others have said, hopefully some good will come out of this tragedy and water safety will be stressed. It's sad that it takes a high profile person to bring attention to something but hopefully that's what this does. This tragedy could have been easily prevented with one life vest. He had his entire life ahead of him.
And I'm sure it might take some time for his loved ones to see it, but he did die a hero. He could have easily stayed in that boat, and let whatever happen to the woman, happen. The fact that he was safe, yet still went in to look for her... His family will be dealing with a lot of grief, but they should be proud of him. Not everyone would have done that.
His family, friends and loved ones are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.