When a rip current in the waters of Panama City Beach, Fla., in the Gulf of Mexico took Christopher Pierce’s daughter, Taylor, he jumped in the water to rescue her.
While his rescue was successful, the 47-year-old husband and father of three from Helena, Ala., didn’t survive. Panama City Beach confirmed his death in a press release provided to Audacy.
“He died a hero, first saving our daughter and then trying to save me from drowning in rough waters at the beach,” said his wife, Elise, per a Facebook post cited by the Shelby County Reporter. “He drowned doing it.
He gave his life for us.”
According to police information cited by WVTM, Pierce entered the water just before 4 p.m. June 18 near Tidewater Condominiums. Although first responders from the Panama City Beach Safety Division and Bay County EMS tried to revive him, Pierce could not be resuscitated at the scene.
“He was immediately taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead,” WVTM reported.
The Shelby Cunty Reporter said the Pierce family was on a trip. In addition to Taylor, Christopher leaves behind sons Christian and Matt.
“Our world is shattered,” said his wife’s Facebook post. “He dotes on us, adored us – always calling us his girls. We had so many plans as a family and as a couple and had just been talking about how he and I would celebrate our wedding anniversary.”
Cox Media Group also cited a Facebook post from Pierce’s cousin. He asked people to pray for the family.
“We all lost a great man today, and I lost my best friend, my soul mate, my forever,” Elsie said. “He is the best human I’ve ever known – he kept me balanced, he was my rock, he coached and he was my cheerleader.”
Officials said water conditions were severe and that red flags were flying at the time of the incident, according to WVMT. A June 16 Facebook post from Panama City Beach-government included a warning about rip currents, as did a Tuesday post from Panama City Beach Fire Rescue.
“Our life guards and Code Enforcement officials have saved multiple lives over the last several days as we continue to fly double red flags due to the presence of dangerous rip currents,” said the post.
Related
Related
