A Florida father described as a “wonderful girl dad” drowned while trying to free a seagull tangled in his fishing line, and now tragic new details reveal how the rescue turned deadly.
William “Stone” Romberg was enjoying an afternoon of fishing with friends near Carillon Beach, about 22 miles west of Panama City, Florida, on Oct. 25 when his line unexpectedly snagged a seagull.
Rather than abandon the struggling bird, the 31-year-old dad swam into the water to free it, but according to People, Romberg then disappeared into the sea before drowning.
His body, tangled in fishing line, was later recovered.
‘Kindness left a lasting impression’
The loss was felt throughout the tight-knit coastal community, where Romberg was well known, particularly among friends and colleagues who remembered him for his kindness.
In a tribute shared on Facebook, his colleagues at La Dolce Vita – the beach equipment rental company where Romberg worked – remembered his generosity and “willingness to always lend a hand.”
“His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed,” co-workers wrote. “Our hearts are especially with his wife, Taylor, and their two little girls, Hadley and Lainey, during this unimaginable time.”
Taylor and their two daughters, Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1, are now facing life without the husband and father they loved.
‘Most incredible daddy’
As neighbors and friends rallied around the family, Taylor shared her grief in an emotional Facebook message.
“There are no words to truly express the heartbreak of losing my sweet Stone. He was the best husband, the most incredible daddy to our two beautiful girls, and a friend to so many,” she wrote.
She continued, “Our lives will never be the same without him, but we are forever grateful for the memories, the love, and the beautiful family we created together. We love you forever, Stone. Until we meet again.”
The family’s devastating loss came after Romberg’s desperate attempt to save the struggling seagull, with new details revealing how he, too, became entangled during the rescue.
A heartbreaking rescue attempt
According to a GoFundMe, Romberg had reached the trapped seagull but, “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. Tragically, Stone drowned,” said the fundraiser, that was organized to provide financial support for his family.
His obituary invites loved ones to a celebration of life on Nov. 6 at The Chapel at Carillon Beach, where the community will have an opportunity to remember the man “who could light up a room simply by being in it.”
Please join us by sending love and support to his loved ones in the comment section below.
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