A Florida father of two drowned after trying to rescue a seagull that became tangled in his fishing line while he was fishing with friends along the Gulf Coast.
William "Stone" Romberg, 31, was fishing off Carillon Beach in Panama City Beach on Oct. 25 when a seagull became tangled in his line, according to a GoFundMe established to support his family.
Romberg entered the water to free the bird, but the fishing hook and seagull became caught in his hand, leaving him entangled in the line, according to the fundraiser. As he tried to swim back to shore, the current carried him farther out, and he drowned.
The drowning occurred in the Gulf of Mexico off Carillon Beach, in front of the Pinnacle Port Condominiums near Philips Inlet, according to thePanama
City News Herald, part of the USA TODAY network.
USA TODAY reached out to the sheriff's office Oct. 30 for additional comment.
Romberg worked as the La Dolce Vita beach service manager at Carillon Beach, where friends and community members remembered him for his kindness and willingness to help others.
Who was Stone Romberg?
Romberg is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters, Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1, according to a GoFundMe established for the family.
La Dolce Vita paid tribute to Romberg in a Facebook post, remembering him as a valued member of its team.
"Stone was a valued part of our LDV family, remembered for his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand," the company wrote. "His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed."
The Carillon Beach homeowners association also remembered Romberg as a "cherished member" of the community.
"Stone was a terrific young man, warm, steady, and always ready with a smile," the association wrote on Facebook. "Many of us enjoyed conversations with him about SEC football or the Atlanta Braves, and he brought an energy to our beach that made Carillon feel even more like home."
How to support Stone Romberg's family
Two GoFundMe fundraisers have been established to support Romberg's family following his death.
One campaign, titled "Support Taylor and Stone's Girls," is raising money for his wife and two young daughters.
"As many of you know, our communities at Pinnacle Port and Carillon have suffered the tragic loss of a very special young man," the fundraiser states. "Our hearts are broken for everyone who knew and loved him."
The two campaigns had collectively raised more than $370,000 as of Oct. 30.
Those interested in helping can donate through the GoFundMe fundraisers.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida dad drowns trying to save tangled seagull
