Florida father of two dies trying to free seagull caught on his fishing line
He was a hero.
A Florida father of two drowned after swimming out to rescue a seagull tangled in his fishing line, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters in a tragic fishing incident.
William ‘Stone’ Romberg, 31, was fishing with friends near Carillon Beach in Panama City Beach on Sunday, when a seagull became caught in his line. He entered the water to free the bird, but the fishing hook and seagull became caught on his hand, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support his family.
As Romberg attempted to swim back to shore, the unpredictable coastal conditions carried him farther out, and he drowned. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded after a fisherman was found tangled in fishing line, WJHG reported.
Stone Romberg’s community remembers him after the tragedy
Romberg worked as a beach service manager for La Dolce Vita, a beach service and rental company serving the Carillon Beach community. His employer also paid tribute to him following his death, remembering him for his kindness, hard work, and willingness to help others.
“His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and the father will be deeply missed,” the company wrote in a statement shared on social media.
The Carillon Beach Association also remembered Romberg as a cherished member of the community. Residents recalled his warm personality and conversations about SEC football and the Atlanta Braves, saying he brought a sense of familiarity and energy to the beach.
Fundraisers seek support for Romberg’s wife and daughters
Two GoFundMe campaigns have been established to help Romberg’s family manage expenses following his death, including funeral costs and immediate living expenses. A fundraiser organized by Christopher Carlin, titled ‘Support Stone Romberg’s Family‘, had raised $187,420 toward its $210,000 goal from 675 donations as of the latest available listing. The campaign describes Romberg as an extremely valued member of the La Dolce Vita team.
A second campaign, ‘Support Taylor and Stone’s Girls‘, was organized by Heidi Fortner. It had raised $58,591 toward its $100,000 goal from 272 donations. Fortner’s campaign says the funds will help cover hospital bills, funeral expenses, and urgent living costs for Taylor and the couple’s two daughters, whose ages are one and three.
Both of the campaigns describe the family’s loss, and ask for financial support as they adjust to life without Romberg. Their fundraising totals may continue to change as donations come in.
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