Florida dad dies in freak accident drowning while trying to save seagull from his fishing line

A Florida father of two has died after drowning while trying to save a seagull from his fishing line.​William “Stone” Romberg, a beach hospitality manager who worked in Florida’s panhandle, was killed on Sunday as he swam out to untangle the bird from his lure after casting it near an inlet in the Panama City Beach area.​Both the bird and the hook became caught on his hand as the current dragged him away and caused him to drown, a GoFundMe campaign launched to raise money for his family states.​The Bay County Sheriff’s Office shared more about Romberg’s death with local outlet WJHG, noting that he had been fishing with friends at the time. When he went to rescue the bird, his friends lost sight of him before spotting him tangled in the fishing line and attempting to perform CPR.William Romberg is survived by his wife Taylor and two daughters (La Dolce Vita)​Romberg is survived by his wife, Taylor, and his two daughters, aged one and three years-old. Across two GoFundMe campaigns, over $300,000 has been raised to support the grieving family with funeral expenses and costs in the near future.​Tributes have poured in across social media, with his co-workers at beach equipment rental company La Dolce Vita describing his death as a “devastating loss.”​“Stone was a valued part of our LDV family, remembered for his kind heart, hard work and willingness to always lend a hand,” the tribute reads. “His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.”Friends and former colleagues paid tribute to the father-of-two (La Dolce Vita)According to Romberg’s LinkedIn page, he had worked as a beach service manager at the firm since March 2024.​A spokesperson for the Carillon Beach Association said Romberg was a “cherished member of our community” and that his death had “touched so many of our homeowners, staff and beach service team.”​“Wow, we are just in awe of all of the love, shares, and donations that have been so graciously and generously poured out on Stone’s family during this difficult time,” another post by the spokesperson read. Romberg has been remembered for his 'kind heart' and 'willingness to lend a hand' (La Dolce Vitsa)​One message of support came from the employer of Romberg’s widow, Dahler & Co., with a spokesperson writing to the family on Facebook that the firm is “here for you every step of the way.”​“Our hearts are broken for our dear friend and teammate, Taylor Romberg, who tragically lost her husband, Stone, earlier this week,” the spokesperson wrote. “Taylor is truly one of the most incredible people we have the privilege of knowing.”​The message continued: “She is a light in the lives of everyone around her, and we know those who knew Stone would say the very same about him.”