FLORIDA FATHER, 31, DIES TRYING TO SAVE A SEAGULL — LEAVING BEHIND HIS WIFE AND TWO LITTLE GIRLS

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

A 31-year-old father of two has died after attempting to rescue a seagull caught in his fishing line, leaving his wife and two young daughters facing an unimaginable loss.

William “Stone” Romberg was fishing with friends near Carillon Beach in Florida’s Panhandle on Sunday, October 25, when his line accidentally caught a seagull.

Rather than leave the struggling bird tangled in the fishing gear, Stone entered the water to try to free it.

But the rescue attempt quickly turned tragic.

According to a fundraiser organized to support his family, the fishing hook and bird became caught on his hand. As Stone tried to swim back towards shore, a powerful current carried him farther out.

He drowned in the water.

A DESPERATE RESCUE ATTEMPT

The incident happened near Phillips Inlet, close to the Pinnacle Port community in the Carillon Beach area.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded after a fisherman was reported missing in the water.

According to local reports, Stone’s friends realized he had disappeared and he was subsequently found in the water, tangled in fishing line. Those nearby attempted CPR.

Despite their efforts, he could not be saved.

A YOUNG FAMILY LEFT HEARTBROKEN

Stone leaves behind his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters, Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1.

The family had recently celebrated Lainey’s first birthday, making the loss particularly devastating for those closest to them.

A fundraising campaign was established to help Taylor and the girls with funeral expenses and urgent living costs as they begin facing life without their husband and father.

The fundraiser described Stone as a special young man whose loss had deeply affected everyone who knew him.

REMEMBERED FOR HIS KIND HEART

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

His colleagues paid tribute to him, remembering his kindness, hard work, and willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed help.

The company said his kindness had left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Carillon Beach Association also described him as a cherished member of its community and called on residents and supporters to surround Taylor and the children with love.

Messages of sympathy have continued to pour in from friends, colleagues, and local residents.

Stone’s death has left a wife without her partner and two little girls without their father.

He will be remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of his final moments, but also for the kindness and warmth that those who knew him say defined his life.