A Florida man drowned after swimming into the ocean to free a seagull tangled in his fishing line, as powerful currents swept him away from shore.
William Romberg, whom friends and family affectionately called “Stone,” died Sunday afternoon in the waters near his home in Laguna Beach, a Florida Panhandle community.
Romberg, 31, was fishing at an inlet when his line became caught around a seagull, according to an online fundraiser created by his loved ones.
After seeing the bird struggling, Romberg entered the water to release it. During the rescue attempt, however, the bird and fishing hook became caught on his hand.
He then tried to swim back toward the beach, but strong currents continued pulling him farther out to sea.
Overcome by exhaustion from the rescue effort and the difficult swim, Romberg could not reach land and drowned.
He is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters, three-year-old Hadley and one-year-old Lainey.
Romberg worked as a beach manager at Carillon Beach for La Dolce Vita. On Tuesday, the company remembered him for “his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand.”
William Romberg, 31, drowned Sunday while trying to save a seagull caught in his fishing line. He is pictured with his wife and daughters
Romberg’s employer honored him for “his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand.” He is pictured with his wife, Taylor
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“Stone tragically lost his life while fishing at the beach and trying to help a bird caught in his line. His kindness made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed,” the company said.
“Our hearts are especially with his wife, Taylor, and their two little girls, Hadley and Lainey, during this unimaginable time. We hope our community can come together to support them and help ease the financial burden ahead.”
Messages shared on social media, along with donations to the fundraiser, reflect the family’s close ties to the local community.
Taylor’s employer, Brad Dahler 30A Realtor, also issued a statement: “Our hearts are broken for our dear friend and teammate, Taylor Romberg, who tragically lost her husband, Stone, earlier this week.
“Taylor is truly one of the most incredible people we have the privilege of knowing. She is a light in the lives of everyone around her, and we know those who knew Stone would say the very same about him.”
Julie Lewis, a community member, wrote on Facebook: “Such a devastating loss for our community. Stone and Taylor are truly some of the most genuine, salt-of-the-earth people. My heart breaks for this sweet family.”
Romberg’s family was widely loved in the community. He is pictured with his wife and their young daughters, three-year-old Hadley and one-year-old Lainey
Family friend Kaitlyn Fly said: “To know this family is to love them!!! Please pray for Taylor and those precious babies. My heart is absolutely broken for them. Such a tragic and unimaginable loss.”
The fundraiser was established to “help Taylor and the girls financially during this devastating loss, including easing the burden of hospital bills and funeral expenses.”
By Wednesday evening, it had collected more than $112,000.
