Nationwide — Dorian Jackson, an African American man from Greensboro, is being remembered by his family as a hero after he died while saving his younger sister from drowning during a kayaking accident at Lake Norman. The 21-year-old North Carolina A&T State University senior helped his sister reach safety before he disappeared underwater.
His family said the accident happened on September 19 while he and his younger sister were kayaking. Her kayak overturned around 7 p.m., and Jackson moved quickly to help her. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said he was able to get his sister onto his kayak, but rescuers could not find him after he went underwater.
According to WXII, fire and rescue crews recovered his body around 1 p.m. the following day. His family later released a statement describing his actions as an example of the deep love he had for his siblings. They also stressed that Jackson was a strong and capable swimmer and asked people not to share his sister’s name or other identifying details because she is a minor.
Jackson was the oldest of eight children and, according to his family, cared deeply for his brothers and sisters. They said he was protective of them and regularly showed that through his actions. His family also pointed to the meaning of his name, Dorian, which they said means “gift,” saying he had been a gift to them throughout his 21 years.
At North Carolina A&T, Jackson was a senior preparing to graduate. University officials said he was a graduate of James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro. He had also secured a job with Wells Fargo after graduation, giving him plans for life beyond college. His family said his faith, service to others, and commitment to his loved ones shaped much of his life.
The family has asked the community to remember Jackson through the way he lived and the help he gave others. They said they have been deeply moved by the support following his death and are taking time to grieve and prepare for his funeral. They also asked that the family’s privacy be respected while they process the loss and honor the life of the HBCU student they described as a loving son, brother, and role model.