FLORIDA FATHER OF TWO DROWNS TRYING TO SAVE A SEAGULL — HIS WIFE IS LEFT TO RAISE THEIR TWO LITTLE GIRLS

William “Stone” Romberg, 31, was fishing with friends when he noticed a seagull tangled in his line. His attempt to free the bird ended in a heartbreaking tragedy.

A Florida community is mourning the loss of a young husband and father who died after entering the water to rescue a seagull caught in his fishing line.

William “Stone” Romberg, 31, was fishing with friends near Phillips Inlet at Carillon Beach in Panama City Beach on Sunday, October 25, when the bird became tangled in his line.

According to a fundraiser organized to support his family, Romberg decided to swim out and help free the seagull.

But during the rescue attempt, the fishing hook and bird became caught on his hand, leaving him entangled in the line.

As he tried to make his way back to shore, the current carried him farther out into the water.

Romberg tragically drowned. His friends found him and attempted CPR, but he could not be saved.

A HUSBAND AND FATHER REMEMBERED FOR HIS KINDNESS

Romberg worked as a beach service manager for La Dolce Vita, serving the Carillon Beach community.

His employer paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement, remembering him as a valued colleague whose kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impression.

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

The Carillon Beach Association also expressed its grief, describing Romberg as a cherished member of the neighborhood whose passing had touched homeowners, employees and the beach service team.

TWO LITTLE GIRLS HAVE LOST THEIR DAD

Romberg leaves behind 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.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Stone was remembered by those who knew him as a devoted family man and a warm presence in the community.

COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND HIS FAMILY

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Heidi Fortner was created to help Taylor and the girls with funeral costs and urgent living expenses following the unexpected loss.

The fundraiser describes Stone as a very special young man and asks the community to surround his wife and daughters with support during an unimaginably difficult time.

As tributes continue to pour in, friends, colleagues and neighbors are remembering a man whose final act began with an effort to help a vulnerable animal.

His family now faces a future without the husband and father they loved.

Stone Romberg was 31 years old.