Family and friends held a special fundraiser for the San Diego man who drowned saving his girlfriend’s nephews, who were swept away by the current.
They gathered at the Curbside eatery in La Mesa Saturday afternoon to remember Jeff Brady with music, photos, and a silent auction.
“He was that good of a person…everybody here, just goes to show the love he put out to the river community,” one of his friends said.
They shared hugs and stories with one another of the love Jeff gave and how he touched their lives.
“He was a gentle giant, he was a big guy, quiet, funny and just a super, super sweet heart,” Summer Needham said.
The 51-year-old El Cajon man was out on a boating trip with his twin brother last Saturday, something his friends said they did almost every weekend.
“They grew up going to the river and that particular day they were fishing, but have a boat and they would go with the kids and have fun,” Needham said.
This time they brought girlfriends, kids, and nephews along with them.
When two of Jeff’s girlfriend’s nephews got caught in the river current, Jeff swam to their rescue, but he didn’t make it out.
On social media his twin brother, Greg, shared a post saying in part, “That’s who he was….selfless, fearless, and always putting others before himself.”
“He just did a very heroic act and he chose to make sure that they lived,” Needham said.
“100 percent. He’s a hero,” Craig DeGraff said.
That heroic act prompted a response from the community.
People from all over expressed their outpouring of support donating collectable items such as cleats autographed by Manny Machado, and baseball bats signed by Padres’ players to support the Brady family.
Outside Curbside, one large picture frame of Jeff overlooking his slice of paradise.
“Every time they were out there, you knew you would receive a photo of the sunset no matter what,” DeGraff said.
Next to it a letter from MMA fighter Randy Couture reminding them that Jeff, who was part of the MMA family, will forever live in their hearts.
Curbside dedicated 15 percent of all food and drinks today to help the family.