Dad of four loses life after rescuing two of his young kids from strong rip current at Florida beach
By Mike-Ross
With the summer around the corner, many people are happy to get a jumpstart on their outdoor plans, however officials are warning the public to be very careful, especially around the ocean which can be unpredictable and fatal.
Recently, Officers were called to Huguenot Park in Jacksonville, Florida
Larry Dupree, 31, and two of his four children, were swimming in the ocean when a rip current pulled them out to sea. Beachgoers quickly gathered and formed a human chain and were able to rescue his children, ages 4 and 9.
Sadly, he slipped under the water before rescuers were able to reach him.
https://twitter.com/BrieIsomWJXT/status/1396561634064314368
When Dupree went missing, there was a high risk of rip currents and red flags were up on the beach.
“If you’re going in chest deep, you don’t have any chance against the rip current. You won’t win,” Rod Sullivan, a maritime expert, told News4Jax. “If you’re out there with small children and they’ve been caught in the rip current, it’s hard. You could put yourself at great risk.”
Although when officials responded to the scene it was a search and rescue mission, it quickly turned into a recovery operation.
By Monday morning the search was called off. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department beach patrol had discovered a body at the park.
“Unfortunately, it appears the victim drowned yesterday,” JSO homicide Sgt. Ed Bawroski said.
While mourning the loss of her husband, Heather Dupree took the time to thank the strangers who helped rescue her children.
“I want all of the people from the beach yesterday who helped me with my kids to know how truly thankful I am from the bottom of my heart for their love, kindness, [and] thoughtfulness,” she told First Coast News.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with the future costs of raising the family’s four children.
Everyone be sure to share this story on Facebook and pray for this family during this difficult time.
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