A Georgia elementary school teacher and father has been remembered as a hero after he rescued a young girl caught in a rip current off Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, then disappeared and later was found dead, authorities and family members said.
Rescue, disappearance and recovery
The Myrtle Beach Police Department said the incident occurred near 10th Avenue South at about 7:53 p.m. on Friday. According to the department, the young girl became trapped in a rip current and lifeguards had already gone off duty when the teacher entered the water to help.
Police and fire crews searched through the night into Saturday morning. Officials later announced that the man’s body had washed ashore and was recovered.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| About 7:53 p.m., Friday | Girl caught in rip current; teacher entered water to rescue her |
| Late Friday night–Saturday morning | Search by Myrtle Beach police and firefighters continued |
| Saturday afternoon | Authorities announced the teacher’s body had washed ashore and was recovered |
Who he was
The DeKalb County School District confirmed the man was a teacher at Rockbridge Elementary School, where students affectionately called him "Coach." The district said he previously taught at Jolly Elementary School. He is survived by four children, according to a GoFundMe page set up in his memory.
"We loved him and are truly heartbroken that he's gone," his daughter told WRAL.
Friends, former teammates and family members shared tributes describing him as a devoted father, a gifted athlete and a selfless person whose final act reflected how he lived.
Community reaction and impact
Tributes poured in after news of his death. The GoFundMe page identified family needs and noted he leaves behind four children; friends and relatives posted remembrances highlighting his roles as father, teacher and coach. The DeKalb County School District said it was deeply saddened by the loss.
Co-workers and community members emphasized his devotion to students. In the immediate aftermath, colleagues at Rockbridge Elementary and the broader DeKalb school community were left to grieve and support his family.
Circumstances and rescue details
According to Myrtle Beach police, the teacher entered the surf near 10th Avenue South after noticing the young girl in distress. He was able to get the girl to safety, but was then pulled underwater by the rip current and disappeared.
Police said lifeguards had gone off duty prior to the incident. Authorities and first responders continued search operations into the following morning before announcing the recovery of his body.
- Location: Near 10th Avenue South, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Time of incident: Approximately 7:53 p.m. Friday
- Outcome: Girl rescued; teacher later recovered deceased
What officials have said
Myrtle Beach police released the basic timeline of events and confirmed the body was recovered Saturday afternoon. The DeKalb County School District issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the death of one of its educators and asking the community to support the family.
Family members’ statements to local media emphasized his selflessness. His daughter conveyed the family’s heartbreak and reiterated how much he was loved.
Next steps for the community
School officials and family organizers have been coordinating responses, including support for the teacher’s four children. As the community mourns, colleagues and parents are planning memorials and gatherings to honor his life and service to students.
This incident has also focused attention on beach safety and the limits of protection once lifeguards are off duty, though officials have not issued new policy changes at this time. The city’s emergency personnel completed the recovery operation and are cooperating with the family and district as they move forward.
Members of the public wishing to express condolences or contribute to family support should refer to the GoFundMe page referenced by relatives and community organizers.
The DeKalb County School District and Myrtle Beach authorities did not immediately release the educator’s name in their initial statements, and the family’s GoFundMe provided additional personal details and remembrances.
The loss has reverberated from the Georgia school where he taught to the Myrtle Beach strand where he made his final, lifesaving effort.
