Florida Dad Drowns Trying to Save Seagull

A beach outing near Panama City, Florida, turned deadly for a 31-year-old father who tried to rescue a bird snarled in his fishing line. William "Stone" Romberg was fishing with friends off Carillon Beach on Oct. 25 when a seagull became hooked, according to a GoFundMe page. "Stone swam out to help untangle the bird from the lure. During the rescue, the hook and bird became caught on Stone's hand, and as Stone tried to swim back, the current carried Stone farther out," the page says. "Tragically, Stone drowned." The Bay County Sheriff's Office says Romberg's friends found him in the water and attempted CPR, reports WJHG.

Romberg, beach service manager for Carillon Beach's La Dolce Vita, leaves behind his wife, Taylor, and two young daughters, ages 3 and 1, People reports. Local businesses and neighbors described him as a devoted family man and valued community member. "Stone tragically lost his life while fishing at the beach and attempting to help a bird caught in his fishing line, La Dolce Vita said, per the New York Post. "His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed." Two online fundraisers for his family had collected more than $300,000 as of Thursday.