He saw a helpless seagull tangled in his fishing line and refused to leave it struggling in the water. But moments after swimming out to rescue the bird, William “Stone” Romberg found himself caught in the same dangerous situation. A powerful current carried him away from shore, turning an ordinary afternoon into a devastating tᩚraɢedy. Now, his wife and two little daughters are facing a future without the man they loved most.

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA — A peaceful fishing trip ended in heartbreak on October 25, 2026, when William “Stone” Romberg, a father of two, drowned while attempting to rescue a seagull near Carillon Beach.

Romberg was fishing with friends along the Gulf Coast when his line accidentally caught the bird.

Instead of abandoning the struggling animal, he entered the water to free it.

But the compᴀssionate decision quickly turned dangerous.

The Moment a Simple Rescue Became a tᩚraɢedy

According to reports from family friends and a fundraiser established for his loved ones, Romberg swam toward the seagull after noticing it had become tangled in his fishing gear.

As he attempted to free the bird, both the hook and the animal became caught on his hand.

He then tried to return to shore.

But the current near Philips Inlet was stronger than he could overcome.

The water carried him farther into the Gulf of Mexico.

Within moments, an attempt to save a trapped bird had become a desperate struggle for his own safety.

His friends eventually located him in the water, still entangled in the fishing line.

They brought him to shore and attempted CPR, but he could not be revived.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident.

A Wife and Two Little Girls Left Behind

For Romberg’s wife, Taylor, the tᩚraɢedy has brought an unimaginable loss.

The couple shared two young daughters, Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1.

Their youngest daughter had celebrated her first birthday only weeks earlier.

Now, both girls will grow up carrying memories and family stories of a father known for his warmth, patience and love.

Taylor later shared an emotional tribute describing Stone as a wonderful husband and devoted father.

She remembered the family they had built together and the countless moments that would remain precious despite his absence.

The heartbreaking reality is that a family who had been celebrating life’s milestones must now face them without him.

Remembered as Someone Who Always Helped Others

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

His coworkers remembered him as hardworking, generous and always willing to lend a hand.

Those who knew him said his kindness was not limited to his final actions.

It was part of the way he lived.

Friends described someone who could make others feel welcome and whose positive atтιтude brightened ordinary days.

The Carillon Beach community also remembered his enthusiasm for SEC football and the Atlanta Braves.

For residents and colleagues, he was far more than an employee.

He was a familiar face, a friend and someone who had become part of the community.

An Outpouring of Support for His Family

As news of the tᩚraɢedy spread, friends, neighbors and people who had never met Romberg began offering support.

Fundraising campaigns were established to ᴀssist Taylor and the girls with funeral expenses and future financial needs.

By October 29, reports indicated that two campaigns had raised more than $300,000 combined.

The response reflected the extraordinary impact his story had made.

Many people were deeply moved by the circumstances of the accident, while others remembered his generosity and commitment to his family.

His loss also prompted renewed discussion about the dangers of strong currents near coastal inlets.

Even experienced swimmers can find themselves overwhelmed when water conditions change unexpectedly.

A Final Act of Kindness That Will Never Be Forgotten

For those who loved Stone Romberg, the details of his final afternoon are almost impossible to comprehend.

He had gone fishing with friends, expecting nothing more than an ordinary day by the water.

When he saw an animal in distress, he tried to help.

He could not have known how quickly the situation would change.

His family now faces the difficult task of moving forward without his laughter, encouragement and daily presence.

A celebration of his life was arranged for November 6 at The Chapel at Carillon Beach, where loved ones could gather to honor his memory.

He went into the water hoping to save a helpless bird. He never made it back to the family waiting for him.

William “Stone” Romberg will be remembered not only for the heartbreaking circumstances of his pᴀssing, but for the kindness, generosity and love that defined his life.

For Taylor and their two daughters, his greatest legacy will always be the family he cherished.

Sources

USA TODAY — October 30, 2026

Florida dad drowns trying to save tangled seagull

PEOPLE — October 29, 2026

Father of two drowns while attempting to save seagull