Man Drowns in Florida After Swimming Out to Rescue Snagged Seagull

William Romberg, 31, drowned Sunday afternoon in the waters near his home in Laguna Beach, a community on the Florida Panhandle coast. He was fishing at an inlet when his cast line snagged a seagull. The bird was in distress. Romberg swam out to untangle it. Then disaster struck. The hook and the bird got caught on his hand.

He tried to swim back to shore. The currents were too strong. Powerful waves kept carrying him further out into the water. Exhausted from the effort of the attempted rescue and the difficult swim, Romberg was unable to make it back to land. He drowned.

Romberg, known to friends and family as 'Stone,' leaves behind a wife, Taylor, and two daughters: three-year-old Hadley and one-year-old Lainey. He worked as a beach manager at Carillon Beach for the company La Dolce Vita. On Tuesday, the company released a statement remembering him for 'his kind heart, hard work, and willingness to always lend a hand.'

'Stone tragically lost his life while fishing at the beach and attempting to help a bird caught in his fishing line,' the statement read. 'His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.'

The company added that their hearts are especially with Taylor and their two little girls, Hadley and Lainey, during this unimaginable time. They hope the community can come together to support them and help ease the financial burden ahead.

Tributes on social media and posts supporting his family show that they were beloved members of the local community. Taylor's employer, Brad Dahler 30A Realtor, released a statement saying: 'Our hearts are broken for our dear friend and teammate, Taylor Romberg, who tragically lost her husband, Stone, earlier this week.'

'Taylor is truly one of the most incredible people we have the privilege of knowing. She is a light in the lives of everyone around her, and we know those who knew Stone would say the very same about him,' the statement continued.

Julie Lewis, a member of the community, wrote on Facebook: 'Such a devastating loss for our community. Stone and Taylor are truly some of the most genuine, salt of the earth people. My heart breaks for this sweet family.'

Kaitlyn Fly, a family friend, shared her own grief. 'To know this family is to love them!!! Please pray for Taylor and those precious babies. My heart is absolutely broken for them. Such a tragic and unimaginable loss.'

An online fundraiser organized by loved ones aims to 'help Taylor and the girls financially during this devastating loss, including easing the burden of hospital bills and funeral expenses.' As of Wednesday evening, it has raised more than $112,000.