Father of two dies trying to free seagull from fishing line
A father who swam out to sea to help untangle a seagull from his fishing line, has been confirmed to have drowned and died during the incident.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the dad-of-two, was swept away by an ocean current, and was unable to escape on Sunday (25 October).
Stone Romberg was reportedly fishing at his home in the Florida Panhandle when the gull became stuck on his line.
In an attempt to help the creature, the 31-year-old father of two swam out to detach the hook from the bird, however, it tragically got stuck to his hand.
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While making his attempt to swim to shore, an ocean current is said to have carried him further out to sea, where he ultimately drowned.
Now, those close to him are remembering him for his 'kindness' in light of the incident.
A GoFundMe set up on behalf of his family, reads: “Stone Romberg was a valued coworker and a cherished part of the La Dolce Vita family. He was known for his hard work, kind heart, and willingness to always lend a hand.”
It revealed that the father 'brought a positive attitude each day and made a lasting impression on the people around him’, and that it is with ‘heavy hearts’ that the fundraiser was set up to help his wife and daughters after his passing.
It said: “After the tragic loss of Stone’s life while he was fishing at the beach and trying to help a bird caught in his fishing line. He will be remembered by coworkers, by the owners and guests who knew him, and by so many others whose lives he touched through his kindness.
“This heartbreaking loss has left Stone’s wife, Taylor, and their two little girls, Hadley and Lainey, facing the days ahead without him. While nothing can take away their pain, donations will help ease the family’s immediate financial burden and support Taylor and the girls with near-term needs in the days ahead.”
As of now, the fundraiser has seen immense results, with 85 per cent of its goal already met at the time of writing.
The fund has raised $211,054 of its $250k goal.
In another fundraiser on the site, which has seen nearly the same amount of donations, it shared it is to help 'Stone’s wife, Taylor, and their two precious little girls, ages 1 and 3, as they face the unimaginable loss of their husband and daddy.'
"We also hold Stone’s family close in our hearts as they mourn their beloved son, brother, and so much more. The funds raised will help Taylor and the girls financially during this devastating loss, including easing the burden of hospital bills and funeral expenses," it added.
Finally, it concluded by urging: "anything you feel moved to give will be deeply appreciated, and no donation is too small. Please continue to pray for comfort, strength, and peace for Taylor, their little girls, and all of Stone’s family and friends."
Britt Jones