CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A top executive with the Daily Herald died Sunday after rescuing children from the waters off a Florida beach.
Investigators near Destin, Florida said Pete Rosengren, 42, of Batavia, his wife, and three sons had just arrived at Miramar Beach last Sunday.
Police said that's when his sons and other children in the water got caught in a rip current.
Rosengren and lifeguards helped the children get to shore safely.
Police said Rosengren then got into trouble, and died despite CPR performed by lifeguards on the beach. Investigators said they aren't sure if Rosengren had a cardiac issue or drowned, the Daily Herald reported.
Rosengren was the vice president of sales and digital strategies for the Daily Herald Media Group. He had been appointed to his current position in December after five years as vice president and director of advertising and had been associated with the company for more than 20 years.
Rosengren's boss told the Daily Herald he was always there for others and it's no surprise that Rosengren's final moments were spent helping others.
"Pete was always there for others -- employees, peers, family and friends. That was his DNA," said Scott Stone, president and chief operating officer. "Pete had an oversized personality, quick wit, humor and unique compassion for others. It's no surprise his final minute was spent helping others."
Plans are underway to create a memorial fund to benefit his children: Gavin, 14, Charlie, 12, and Grant, 7.
Rosengren was the grandson of the late Ann Paddock, wife of Stuart R. Paddock Jr., publisher and patriarch of the company during the second half of the 20th century.
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