A Florida man drowned while attempting to rescue a seagull that became tangled in his fishing line, according to reports. William “Stone” Romberg, 31, was fishing at Phillips Inlet in Panama City Beach on Sunday when his cast accidentally snagged the bird.
Romberg, a hospitality manager, swam out to free the distressed bird. While trying to untangle the fishing lure from the seagull, his hand became caught on both the bird and the hook. He then attempted to swim back to shore, but strong currents pulled him further into the water, where he ultimately drowned.
Heidi Fortner, who organized a GoFundMe for Romberg’s family, wrote on the fundraising page that Romberg’s “kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.”
Romberg, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their two young daughters, ages 1 and 3. The family had recently celebrated their youngest daughter’s first birthday.
La Dolce Vita Beach Service, Romberg's employer, posted on Facebook that Romberg “tragically lost his life while fishing at the beach and attempting to help a bird caught in his fishing line.” Romberg had served as the Beach Service Manager for the company since March 2024.
Neighbors and local businesses remembered Romberg as a dedicated husband and father and a bright presence in the community. The Carillon Beach HOA expressed mourning for the loss of Romberg, a “cherished member of our community,” and the Salty Bottle & Brew cafe in Panama City Beach referred to him as a “beloved Carillon Beach local, Salty regular, and wonderful husband and father.”