A heroic Maine father was killed while saving two of his children who were caught in a strong wave during a family trip to Florida.
Ryan Jennings, 46, of Cumberland County, was visiting his parents in South Florida with his wife and three children when the tragedy occurred.
The family traveled to Juno Beach in Palm Beach County on Wednesday afternoon when Jennings noticed his 12-year-old stepson and 9-year-old daughter struggling in the water and rushed to rescue them, his grieving wife, Emily, wrote in a heartbreaking tribute. To Facebook.
“Ryan lost his battle yesterday when he saved our children from a rip current,” she wrote. “He threw Jax to safety to get help, and lifted my Charlie above the water so someone could get to them. His last gift to me was to bring my children back alive. Our hero, as always.”
She added, “My soul mate and my best friend – I never want to be apart from you. I always wish I could leave before you so I never have to spend a day without you. I can’t believe this is where I am. Our love is the love most people never find.”
The accident occurred at approximately 3:25 pm while the family was swimming in an area not overlooked by rescuers. The Bangor Daily News reported, Citing Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
First responders rushed into the treacherous waters to secure the children, but were unable to save their father.
Jennings’ death is ruled a drowning.
Officials noted that water conditions have the potential to develop rip currents.
“This incident underscores the importance of swimming at guarded beaches, where trained lifeguards can identify hazardous conditions, including rough waves and rip currents, helping to reduce the risk of accidents before they happen,” Palm Beach County Fire Department He told WMTW.
Family friend Geraldine Ollila remembered Jennings as a “loving father” to his children.
“Ryan was not only Emily’s soulmate, but also a loving father and friend to many. His heroic actions are a testament to the kind of person he was, and his loss leaves a tremendous void in the lives of everyone who knew him,” Ollila wrote on the GoFundMe crowdfunding page.
Emily revealed that the couple knew that she was pregnant with the couple’s fourth child before the tragedy occurred.
“On another completely vulnerable note, Ryan and I recently found out that we are expecting our fourth child. There is such sadness and such tremendous light about the possibility of bringing another little Ray life into this world,” she said.
Emily added: “Right now, I’m not really sure how to go on again. I think second by second. Trying to support our beautiful children, while missing you with my entire being.”