FLORIDA FATHER OF TWO DROWNS WHILE TRYING TO SAVE A SEAGULL — LEAVING BEHIND HIS WIFE AND TWO LITTLE GIRLS

William “Stone” Romberg, 31, was fishing near his Florida home when his line caught a struggling seagull. He jumped into the water to free the bird, but a powerful current swept him away. Now, his community is rallying around his grieving wife and their two young daughters.

LAGUNA BEACH, FLORIDA — A Florida father of two has died after entering the water in an attempt to rescue a seagull that became tangled in his fishing line, leaving his wife and two young daughters facing an unimaginable loss.

William “Stone” Romberg, 31, died on Sunday afternoon, October 25, 2026, while fishing near Carillon Beach in Florida’s Panhandle.

According to a GoFundMe organized by family friend Heidi Fortner, Romberg was fishing near an inlet when his fishing line accidentally caught a seagull.

Concerned about the struggling bird, the devoted father decided to enter the water and swim toward it, hoping to untangle it and set it free.

But what began as an attempt to help an animal quickly turned into a tragedy.

During the rescue, the fishing hook and the bird became caught on Romberg’s hand. As he attempted to swim back toward shore, a strong current carried him farther away from land.

He struggled to make his way back, but was unable to reach safety and drowned.

FRIENDS RUSHED TO HELP AS THE SITUATION UNFOLDED

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to an incident at Carillon Beach on Sunday.

According to information provided to local television station WJHG, Romberg had been fishing with friends when the bird became tangled in his line.

When his friends looked toward the water again, they could no longer see him. They subsequently spotted him in the water, tangled in fishing line.

His friends pulled him from the water and attempted CPR while emergency responders were contacted.

Despite their efforts, Romberg did not survive.

The circumstances of his death have left those who knew him struggling to process the sudden loss of a young husband and father.

HE LEAVES BEHIND A WIFE AND TWO LITTLE GIRLS

Romberg is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters, Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1.

The girls are now facing a future without the father who was part of their everyday lives.

The tragedy has been especially difficult for the family because of how suddenly everything happened.

A fundraising campaign titled “Support Taylor and Stone’s Girls” was established by Heidi Fortner to help the family manage the financial challenges following his death.

According to the fundraiser, donations will help cover funeral expenses, hospital bills and essential living costs as Taylor raises their two young daughters.

The appeal also describes Romberg as a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend whose loss has deeply affected everyone around him.

COLLEAGUES REMEMBER HIM FOR HIS KIND HEART

Romberg worked as a beach service manager for La Dolce Vita at Carillon Beach, where he was known for his dedication, generosity and willingness to help others.

Following his passing, the company shared an emotional tribute to its colleague.

“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 said.

It added that his kindness had left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and that he would be deeply missed.

The Carillon Beach Association also remembered him as a cherished member of its community, expressing condolences to his wife, children and everyone affected by his passing.

His colleagues and neighbors have since joined together to support the family during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN

The fundraising campaign quickly attracted support from people moved by the family’s loss.

By October 29, the original campaign had raised more than $114,000. A separate fundraiser was also established, with combined donations reported to have exceeded $300,000.

Taylor’s employer, Brad Dahler 30A Realtor, also shared a tribute, describing her as an extraordinary friend and colleague and expressing heartbreak over the loss of her husband.

Friends and local residents have continued sharing messages of sympathy and encouragement.

One local resident, Julie Lewis, described the loss as devastating for the community, while family friend Kaitlyn Fly urged people to keep Taylor and the children in their thoughts.

For those who knew Stone, the tributes reflect a man remembered not only for his work but also for the relationships he built with people around him.

A FAMILY FACES LIFE WITHOUT THEIR FATHER

Stone Romberg was just 31 years old when his life came to an abrupt end.

His decision to enter the water was an attempt to help an animal in distress. Instead, the incident left behind a wife, two very young daughters and a community mourning someone they deeply valued.

As donations and messages of support continue to arrive, Taylor and her daughters are being surrounded by friends, colleagues and neighbors determined to help them through the days ahead.

For Hadley and Lainey, the loss means growing up without their father beside them. For Taylor, it means facing the future without the husband with whom she had planned to raise their family.

And for the community that knew him, Stone will be remembered as a devoted father and a man whose willingness to lend a hand left a lasting impression.