NEED TO KNOW
A dad of two from Florida drowned while trying to save a seagull that had gotten tangled in his fishing line on Sunday, Oct. 25
William “Stone” Romberg, 31, tried to swim back to the shore, but he drowned after the current dragged him further out to sea
The beach service manager is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their two young daughters: Hadley, 3 and Lainey, 1
A “very special” dad of two from the Florida Panhandle drowned trying to save a seagull that had become tangled in his fishing line.
William “Stone” Romberg, 31, was fishing off the shore near Carillon Beach, about 22 miles west of Panama City, Fla., with friends on Sunday, Oct. 25, when the bird became stuck, according to one of two GoFundMe fundraisers set up to support his family.
The hook and bird then became stuck on Romberg’s hand, and when he tried to swim back, the current dragged him out, and he drowned. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to NBC affiliate WJHG that it responded to the incident.
Stone Romberg
Credit: GoFundMe
“As many of you know, our communities at Pinnacle Port and Carillon have suffered the tragic loss of a very special young man,” the GoFundMe wrote about Romberg, the La Dolce Vita beach service manager for Carillon Beach. “Our hearts are broken for everyone who knew and loved him.”
Romberg and his wife, Taylor, shared two daughters: Hadley, 3 and Lainey, 1, according to the fundraisers. Together, they have raised more than $300,000 as of Thursday, Oct. 29.
“Stone was a valued part of our LDV family, remembered for his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand,” La Dolce Vita wrote on Facebook. “His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.”
Stock image of Panama City Beach, Florida
Credit: Getty
The Salty Bottle & Brew, a local coffee bar, also paid tribute to Romberg, describing him as a regular patron and a “wonderful husband and father” in an Instagram post.
Carillon Beach called him a “cherished member of our community” in a statement, later adding, “Wow, we are just in awe of all of the love, shares, and donations that have been so graciously and generously poured out on Stone’s family during this difficult time.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Taylor, Hadley, and Lainey are so deeply loved, and seeing this community come together to surround them with support has been incredibly moving,” the message continued.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Read the original article on People