Heroic Rescue Turns Tragic
Former Georgia police officer and ex-baseball player Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, died on Sunday after jumping into the ocean off Pawleys Island, South Carolina, to help swimmers caught in a rip current. According to the Pawleys Island Police Department, Childers and another bystander rushed in to help several people in danger.
“He died trying to save others,” the department wrote in a tribute.
Childers, originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, had previously served over three years as a patrol officer with Cobb County Police. He was living in Paulding County at the time of his death.
Before his time in law enforcement, Childers was a talented baseball player, having played at North Cobb Christian School and Georgia State University. In 2009, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles and played in their minor league system.
“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” the Orioles said in a statement.
A Selfless Act
The rescue took place in front of Childers’ wife and three children. He managed to help save a family of five but was overwhelmed by the strong current and drowned.
Honoring His Legacy
A GoFundMe page created to support Childers’ family has raised over $230,000. The fundraiser describes him as a loving husband and father who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“In a heroic act, he saved a family of five in a moment of crisis… Tragically, after giving everything he had, he was unable to stay above water… ultimately paying the highest sacrifice with his life in front of his three children and wife.”
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