Guo Dongming, a fifth grade primary school student from Chenghai town, Yongsheng county of Lijiang in Yunnan, jumped into a lake to help two girls who had encountered difficulties. One of the girls he tried to save later died.

The 12-year-old boy was herding sheep near Chenghai Lake on Aug 28, xinhuanet.com reported. He could not see any adults around when he heard shouts from the lake.

A girl beside the lake was yelling that another girl was missing，in addition to the two who could be seen struggling in the water and, without thinking, Guo jumped into the water and dragged the two girls to the bank one by one.

Several people came over soon and someone dialed the emergency number. The emergency services soon found the body of the missing girl, and one of the girls Guo had pulled from the lake later died.

The family of the girl who is now out of danger praised Guo on weibo, and said they hope his courage would inspire many people. The story has received much attention on the Internet.

Edited by Niva Whyman