A Florida father of two is dead after a tragedy that occurred during a Sunday fishing trip.
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31-year-old William "Stone" Romberg passed away after trying to save a seagull that became tangled in his fishing line on Sunday (October 25). Stone, who was the manager of the Chair Service at Pinnacle Port Condominiums at Carillon Beach, was fishing in the inlet when he noticed the troubled bird and went to save him. According to a GoFundMe set up for him.
Father of Two Drowns Trying to Rescue Seagull
The 31-year-old swam out to help the bird, and amid his rescue mission, the hook and bird became tangled in his hand. When he tried to swim back to shore, he was engulfed by a water current and drowned.
The story has led to widespread reactions on social media.
"I love animals, but there is absolutely no universe where I'm leaving my kids without a dad to rescue a seagull or any animal," one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Bless his heart, and my condolences to his family. He tried his best to be humane," a second user remarked.
Stone leaves to mourn his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters, ages 1 and 3.
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe had raised more than $149K of their $300K goal.
"This fundraiser is for 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 fundraiser reads. "The funds raised will help Taylor and the girls financially during this devastating loss, including easing the burden of hospital bills and funeral expenses."
Following Stone's passing, the Carillon Beach Association released a statement acknowledging the "heartbreaking" loss. They called Stone a "cherished member" of the Carillon Beach community.
"Our Carillon Beach Family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Stone Romberg, a cherished member of our community whose passing has touched so many of our homeowners, staff, and beach service team," the statement reads (via WJHG)
"As we remember Stone, we also want to surround his wife and their two young daughters with love and support."
