An Illinois father of three and survivor of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks died Tuesday after he dove into Lake Michigan to save struggling children who had capsized on their raft.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., when 43-year-old Luke Laidley, who was operating a boat and celebrating the Fourth of July, noticed the children in the water, according to a report.

INSIDE THE PENTAGON OFFICE LEADING UFO INVESTIGATIONS

He jumped into the water to save the drowning children.

For roughly a minute, Laidley was submerged until he finally broke through the water with the children, officials said.

The children were safely taken out of the water, but the father of three had to be pulled on board.

CPR was administered, and Laidely was rushed to an Evanston hospital, where he was declared dead after arrival, the report noted.

A Chicago native, Laidely attended Boston College before moving to New York and starting work at Morgan Stanley in September 2001.

On his second day at Morgan Stanley, which was located on the 61st floor of the South Tower, hijacked planes tore through the World Trade Center towers.

Laidley was safely evacuated, but 13 of his co-workers were among the 2,977 men, women, and children killed that day, the report noted.

September 11 had a profound impact on his life, and, after the attacks, he returned to Chicago and met his wife, Lauren.

"‘I encouraged all of us to count our blessings each and every day," Laidley said, according to his family. "Give of yourself and expect nothing in return. And become part of something that is greater than yourself."

He was a "true family man," according to his wife.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"His smile lit up the room. He exuded positivity and perseverance with everything he did. He loved deeply and truly with all his heart," Laidley's family said.

"A life lived with purpose. A life lived to serve for others. A life lived as a hero."