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A courageous father from Maine tragically lost his life while rescuing two of his children from a powerful riptide during a family getaway in Florida.
Ryan Jennings, 46, hailed from Cumberland County and was visiting his parents in South Florida, accompanied by his wife and their three children, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
The family had ventured to Juno Beach in Palm Beach County on a Wednesday afternoon when Jennings noticed his 12-year-old stepson and 9-year-old daughter struggling in the ocean’s grip. Without hesitation, he dashed into the water to save them, as shared by his heartbroken wife, Emily, in a poignant Facebook post.
“Ryan lost his battle yesterday while saving our children from a rip current,” she wrote. “He managed to push Jax to safety to call for help and kept my Charlie above water until rescuers arrived. His final gift to me was bringing our children back alive. Forever our hero.”
She continued, “My soulmate and best friend – I never wanted to be separated from you. I always hoped I would leave this world first, so I’d never have to face a day without you. It’s unimaginable that this is my reality. Our love is something rare and precious.”
The incident happened at around 3:25 p.m. as the family was swimming in an area not overlooked by lifeguards, the Bangor Daily News reported, citing Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
First responders rushed to the treacherous waters, securing the children, but were unable to save their father.
Jennings’ death is being ruled a drowning.
Officials noted that the water conditions had 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 surf and rip current formation, helping to reduce the risk of incidents before they happen,” the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue told WMTW.
Family friend Geraldine Ollila remembered Jennings as a “loving father” to his children.
“Ryan was not only Emily’s soul mate, 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 in GoFundMe crowdfunding page.
Emily revealed that the couple had learned she was pregnant with the couple’s fourth child before the tragedy.
“On another entirely vulnerable note, Ryan and I just recently found out we are expecting our 4th child. There is such sadness and such enormous light at the possibility of bringing another little Rye life into this world,” she said.
“Right now I’m not really sure how to go on ever again. I guess second by second. Trying to support our beautiful children, while missing you with my entire being,” Emily added.