A 90-year-old grandfather from the village of Hejiaqiao in Santai county, southwest China’s sichuan province, is being hailed as a hero after he jumped into an icy river to save a 1 1/2 year old toddler from drowning.

The incident occurred last week Wednesday when the boy, whose name was not mentioned in the report, was riding his bike and slipped and fell into the river. His grandmother, only identified by her surname Yue, was terrified at what happened and immediately shouted for help, according to China Daily.

After hearing the woman’s cry for help, the grandfather, He Youyi, immediately rushed to the scene and jumped into the river to save the toddler.

“He jumped into the river from one grassy bank and carried my grandson on his shoulder. Several minutes later, a fellow villager arrived to take my grandson ashore,” the woman said.

Villagers then helped He by pulling him back to the river bank.

“I only did what I could. If I die it’s not a big deal, but such a thing should not happen to a child,” He said, Shanghaiist reported.

Pan He and He Xiuqiong, the man’s grandson and daughter, respectively, hurried back to their village after hearing what the man did to save the boy.

While he was able to quickly save the kid from drowning, one can’t deny the fact that old age has took a toll on the man’s body. According to the report, He is currently living with Pan’s uncle in the village and that he walks very slowly due to his age.

“We admire his courage to jump into the muddy river to save a boy,” Pan said.

Images screenshot via YouTube / CGTN