A man who intervened to save people stuck in a rip current off Pawleys Island, South Carolina, died after getting stuck himself.
The Pawleys Island Police Department said on X that Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, jumped into the water with another person at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday to try and rescue four to five other swimmers struggling with the current. Though the other swimmers got out OK, Mr. Childers got trapped in the current and drowned.
“His first responder instincts kicked in and he went to the water to save people,” PIPD Chief Michael Fanning told Charleston’s WCBD-TV.
Mr. Childers was a former police officer in Cobb County, Georgia, and won a departmental award for saving lives in 2012. He was also a former prospect in the Baltimore Orioles’ farm system.
“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” a spokesperson for the O’s told Atlanta’s WANF.
On social media, a family member wrote that “his bravery, kindness and love will always be remembered. Words are hard to find at this moment. We deeply appreciate all the prayers, love and support.”
