Stone Romberg, who died Sunday while trying to save a bird, is pictured with his wife, Taylor, and their two young daughters. (GoFundMe)
A father who entered the ocean to free a seagull tangled in his fishing line drowned after a strong current pulled him away from shore, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Stone Romberg, a native of the Atlanta area, was fishing near his home in Florida’s Panhandle when he spotted the bird caught in his line, Fox 5 reported.
The 31-year-old father of two swam toward the seagull to release it. During the rescue attempt, however, the hook and bird became caught on his hand. As Romberg tried to make his way back, an ocean current carried him farther offshore, and he drowned.
“Our hearts are broken for everyone who knew and loved him,” a GoFundMe campaign created for his family states.
Stone Romberg poses with his young daughter at the beach. (Facebook/La Dolce Vita)
Romberg managed chair services at a nearby condominium complex, where the GoFundMe says he was “known by a lot of our owners and guests.”
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A Facebook page for his employer said he would be remembered “for his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand.”
“His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed,” the post added.
Stone Romberg is pictured with his wife, Taylor, and their two young daughters. (Facebook/La Dolce Vita)
The GoFundMe campaign, created to support Romberg’s family, had collected $138,714 by Thursday afternoon. His family depended on him financially.
Romberg is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their one-year-old and three-year-old daughters.
According to Fox 5, Romberg was also a devoted fan of SEC football and the Atlanta Braves.
