Florida beach manager dies trying to rescue seagull caught in fishing line
William Romberg, 31, drowned off Laguna Beach in Florida on Sunday after swimming out to free a seagull caught in his fishing line. The currents prevented him from reaching shore, and his death has prompted tributes and community support for his family.
Romberg, known as Stone, was fishing at an inlet when the bird became entangled; during the rescue attempt, the hook and bird caught on his hand. He leaves a wife, Taylor, and daughters aged three and one, and worked as a beach manager at Carillon Beach. A fundraiser for his family had raised more than $112,000 by Wednesday evening.
In short
- William Romberg drowned while trying to free a seagull caught in his fishing line.
- Strong currents carried him away from shore.
- His family’s fundraiser had raised more than $112,000.
Explained simply
Florida’s Gulf Coast has beaches, inlets and waterways where fishing is common. Inlets connect inland waters with the sea, and currents can make swimming difficult, even close to shore.
Beach managers help oversee beach areas and support visitors, while fishing line and hooks can pose hazards to wildlife. Romberg’s death has drawn attention to the risks of entering the water to help an animal and prompted support for his wife and young children.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Kindhearted father drowns in ferocious waves while trying to free seagull that got tangled in fishing line”.