Dylan Smith - hero of Hurricane Sandy - drowned

Dylan Smith, age 23, of Queens, New York, died on December 24, 2012, in the waters off Maria's Beach, Rincon, Puerto Rico.

He was on vacation and drowned while surfing.

Dylan worked as a lifeguard at Rockaway Beach, New York and was hailed as a hero for his rescues of stranded people during Hurricane Sandy.

Saint Christopher, pray
for Dylan

Dylan Smith and Michael McDonnell, age 51, were named as People magazine Heroes of 2012 for risking their lives. The men used Dylan's surfboard to float a half-dozen people, who were trapped on a porch by six feet of water, to safety.

Family members stated that if you were in need, Dylan was there to help. He was passionate about life.

Friends describe Dylan as humble, unselfish and popular. 

Dylan is survived by many loving admirers, friends and relatives, including his parents and a younger brother.

Pray for those who die young and tragically. 

Let us pray that Dylan Smith is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.