FLORIDA DAD, 31, DIES AFTER TRYING TO SAVE SEAGULL CAUGHT IN HIS FISHING LINE — LEAVES BEHIND WIFE AND TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS

William “Stone” Romberg was fishing with friends when he noticed a seagull tangled in his line. His attempt to free the bird ended in tragedy, leaving his family and the Carillon Beach community heartbroken.

A 31-year-old husband and father of two has died after attempting to rescue a seagull that became tangled in his fishing line off the coast of Florida.

William “Stone” Romberg was fishing with friends near Phillips Inlet at Carillon Beach in Panama City Beach on Sunday, October 25, when he noticed that a bird had become caught on his line.

Rather than leave the animal struggling in the fishing equipment, Stone entered the water to try to free it.

But the rescue attempt quickly turned into a tragedy.

According to a fundraiser organized by Heidi Fortner, the fishing hook and bird became caught on Stone’s hand as he tried to untangle the animal.

When he attempted to swim back toward shore, a powerful current carried him farther out into the water.

Stone ultimately drowned.

HIS FRIENDS TRIED TO SAVE HIM

The incident happened near Pinnacle Port Condominiums, close to Phillips Inlet.

Stone’s friends reportedly found him in the water and attempted to perform CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it responded to the incident, according to local reporting.

News of his passing quickly spread through Carillon Beach, where Stone was known not only as a beach service manager but also as a valued member of the local community.

REMEMBERED FOR HIS KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY

Stone worked as a beach service manager for La Dolce Vita, a company providing beach services and rentals in the area.

His employer shared an emotional tribute following his death, remembering him as a hardworking colleague with a kind heart and a willingness to help others.

“His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed,” the company said.

The Carillon Beach Association also released a statement expressing its grief over the loss of someone who had become an important part of the neighborhood.

The association described Stone as a cherished member of the community whose passing had affected homeowners, staff members and the beach service team.

A WIFE AND TWO LITTLE GIRLS LEFT BEHIND

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

The family had celebrated Lainey’s first birthday just two weeks before the tragedy.

Now, Taylor is facing life without her husband while caring for their two young children.

Friends and members of the local community have rallied around the family, hoping to provide support during an incredibly difficult period.

FUNDRAISER LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT HIS FAMILY

Heidi Fortner organized a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support Taylor and Stone’s Girls” to help the family with funeral expenses, medical bills and urgent living costs.

The appeal describes Stone as a special young man whose loss has deeply affected everyone who knew him.

As of October 31, the campaign had raised more than $153,000 toward its $190,000 goal, with more than 700 donations recorded. The amount continues to change as additional supporters contribute.

The fundraiser asks people to keep Taylor, the girls and Stone’s wider family in their thoughts as they navigate the days ahead.

A FINAL ACT OF KINDNESS THAT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

For those who knew Stone, his final moments have become a heartbreaking reminder of the kindness they say defined him.

He saw an animal struggling and chose to try to help.

That decision cost him his life, leaving behind a wife, two little girls and a community now determined to support them.

As tributes continue to arrive, friends and colleagues are remembering Stone not simply for the tragic circumstances of his passing, but for the husband, father and friend he was.