MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – The swimmer who rescued a young girl caught in a rip current has been identified Saturday night, according to WRAL News.
Around 7:53 p.m. on Friday, a young girl was caught in a rip current near 10th Avenue South.
Another swimmer, later identified by family members who spoke to WRAL News as 45-year-old Derrick Moore, entered the water to help her, but was pulled by the rip current and was located the next morning, according to Myrtle Beach police.
Moore’s family said he was a teacher from Georgia, and he did not know the girl before jumping into the water to save her, according to WRAL News.
“We loved him and are truly heartbroken that he’s gone,” his daughter said in a statement to WRAL. “He was a great father, and we are all going to miss him.”
This all took place after lifeguards had gone off duty. The condition and whereabouts of the young girl are still unknown at this time.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department and Myrtle Beach Fire Department continued searching for Moore until his body was found.
The U.S. Coast Guard was also called in to assist.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story stated the young girl had been taken to a hospital, based on information provided by Myrtle Beach police. Authorities later clarified that the individual at the hospital was not the young girl involved in this incident. This story has been updated to reflect the most current information.
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