A Redding father is sharing the legacy of his 19-year-old son who lost his life while traveling abroad in South Africa.

As News 12 Connecticut previously reported, Nicholas Upton died while taking a late night swim with a few friends off the coast of South Africa during a semester abroad.

Jim Upton, Nicholas' father, says he and his son had a very close relationship and spoke twice a week while he was abroad via Facetime. He says the last time he spoke to his son was the night before Nicholas left for his spring break where he later died.

News 12 is told that Nicholas had plans since high school to do good work in Africa. He even pushed the school to teach him Swahili.

Since his son's passing, Upton says he wants to spread Nicholas' legacy. He says his son was a man that loved everyone and was someone that the world will truly miss out on knowing.

Upton says his son's funeral service is scheduled for this Saturday in Fairfield. He says he expects over 500 people to attend and pay their respects.