A FATHER of three who survived 9/11 has drowned after jumping into Lake Michigan to save a group of small children on Tuesday.

Luke Laidley, 43, was operating a boat in Illinois when the raft filled with children flipped over, causing the kids to fall into the lake.

The accident happened around 1.30pm on the Fourth of July, according to ABC affiliate WLS-TV.

The Chicago native was pulling a tube behind a boat when the tube flipped, and the children fell into the water.

He reportedly jumped into the lake without hesitation to try to save the kids when they began struggling.

Winnetka fire officials told the media outlet Laidley spent approximately one minute underwater before he resurfaced with the rescued children.

He was then pulled onto the boat and CPR was performed, but it wasn't enough to save him.

Laidley was rushed to the hospital in serious condition but didn't survive the accident, according to the same outlet.

It wasn't the first tragedy he survived.

Laidley was a brand new employee on the 61st floor of Tower Two, aka the South Tower, in the World Trade Center on 9/11.

After his passing, his family released a statement, writing: "After graduating from Boston College with a degree in Finance, he took his first job at 21 years old with Morgan Stanley in New York City."

September 11, 2001 was his second day on the job.

After surviving 9/11, Laidley made a statement about the incident writing: "As a survivor of the 61th floor of Tower 2 ... 'I encourage all of us to count our blessings each and every day.

"Give of yourself and expect nothing in return. And become part of something that is greater than yourself.'"

He relocated home to Chicago after 9/11.

Laidley was a high school football coach, husband, father of three, and all-around great person, according to his family.

"Luke lived his life guided by his experiences and he had several that allowed him to bestow compassion, love, inspiration, and leadership to others. He lived a hero's song," the family wrote.

"His philosophy was to 'Give of yourself and expect nothing in return. And become part of something that is greater than yourself.'"

In closing, they said: "A life lived with purpose. A life lived to serve for others. A life lived as a hero."