A North Carolina beach vacation ended in tragedy after a 20-year-old man reportedly rushed into dangerous water to save his father from a rip current — and both men died.
Daniel Roberts, 46, and his son, Dylan Roberts, 20, died following a swimming emergency at Holden Beach on Sunday, Aug. 2.
According to authorities, the incident happened near the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West.
Family friend Justin Davis said he was told Daniel became caught in a rip current while swimming. Dylan apparently realized his father was in trouble and immediately went into the water in an attempt to rescue him.
“In the blink of an eye, they were in uncontrollable rip currents,” Davis told WWAY.
Emergency crews were called to the scene, where police, firefighters and EMS personnel desperately attempted to save the father and son.
Holden Beach Police Chief Steve Barger said first responders immediately began rescue efforts and advanced life-support measures.
Despite their efforts, neither man could be saved.
“Police, fire and EMS personnel responded immediately and initiated rescue and advance life support efforts,” Barger said in a statement. “Despite those efforts, both individuals were pronounced deceased.”
The town also offered condolences to everyone devastated by the deaths.
“The Town of Holden Beach extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time,” Barger said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Davis has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the surviving members of the Roberts family with the emotional and financial aftermath of the tragedy.
He described Dylan’s decision to enter the water after his father as an extraordinary act of love.
“In his father’s moment of greatest need, Dylan acted without hesitation, courageously entering the water and ultimately giving his own life while trying to save him,” Davis wrote. “His final act was one of extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and love — Dylan died a hero.”
The tragedy came at an especially heartbreaking time in Dylan’s life.
Davis said the 20-year-old had recently married his high school sweetheart, Maggie Day.
Day posted an emotional tribute to both her husband and father-in-law on Facebook the day after the incident.
“I woke up just hurting for you and your dad,” she wrote. “You guys didn’t deserve this.”
Day said Daniel had always welcomed her into the family and remembered both men for their selflessness and courage.
“I’ve never had a good outlook on men, but your father always welcomed me as my own,” she wrote. “You guys were a lot alike. You both were so extremely selfless, and courageous. I can’t believe we lost both of you, I’m still in such shock.”
She also remembered Daniel as a father who could light up a room.
“Daniel just lit up every room he entered,” Day wrote, adding that he was known for telling the “funniest but also cringiest dad jokes.”
“He was such a good person and father, son, and husband,” she continued.
Day then turned her tribute toward Dylan, describing the young man she had recently married as kind, funny, comforting and hardworking.
“My sweet boy, you were such a kind and funny soul,” she wrote. “You always made me laugh and always knew how to comfort me when I didn’t even know I needed it.”
She thanked Dylan for supporting her during difficult times and for always taking care of her.
“You helped me thru some tough times. Thank you for taking care of me, always providing and being so hardworking,” she wrote.
Davis said the Roberts family and Dylan’s young widow are now dealing not only with overwhelming grief but also unexpected financial pressures.
“The road ahead is uncertain, and every bit of help will make a difference as they try to rebuild and heal,” he wrote on the fundraiser.
As of Thursday, Aug. 6, the GoFundMe had raised more than $36,000 for the family.
The Holden Beach Police Department and Davis did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment.
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