A father of two young girls has lost his life in a desperate attempt to save a seagull.
William Romberg was swept out to sea by powerful currents after plunging into dangerous waters to rescue the distressed bird, which had become caught on his fishing line.
The devoted Florida dad, known as “Stone” to his family and friends, drowned on Sunday afternoon near his home in Laguna Beach.
The 31-year-old leaves behind heartbroken wife Taylor and their daughters Hadley, 3, and one-year-old Lainey.
Romberg had been fishing at an inlet when his line accidentally caught a seagull, according to a GoFundMe appeal set up by loved ones.
Rather than leave the struggling bird to its fate, he jumped into the water in an attempt to free it.
But the rescue turned into a nightmare when the fishing hook and bird became tangled around his hand.
As Romberg fought to make his way back to shore, ferocious currents dragged him further out to sea.
Despite his desperate efforts, the exhausted father could not reach safety and drowned.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from friends, colleagues and members of the tight-knit coastal community.
Romberg worked as a beach manager at Carillon Beach for company La Dolce Vita, which paid an emotional tribute to him on Tuesday.
The company remembered him for “his kind heart, hard work and willingness to always lend a hand”.
“Stone tragically lost his life while fishing at the beach and attempting to help a bird caught in his fishing line,” it said.
“His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and he will be deeply missed.”
The company said its thoughts were particularly with Taylor and the couple’s young daughters.
“Our hearts are especially with his wife, Taylor, and their two little girls, Hadley and Lainey, during this unimaginable time,” it said.
“We hope our community can come together to support them and help ease the financial burden ahead.”
Taylor’s employer Brad Dahler 30A Realtor also shared a touching tribute to the grieving family.
“Our hearts are broken for our dear friend and teammate, Taylor Romberg, who tragically lost her husband, Stone, earlier this week,” it said.
“Taylor is truly one of the most incredible people we have the privilege of knowing.
“She is a light in the lives of everyone around her and we know those who knew Stone would say the very same about him.”
Friends and neighbours have rallied around Taylor and her daughters as they face life without their beloved husband and father.
Local resident Julie Lewis wrote on Facebook: “Such a devastating loss for our community.
“Stone and Taylor are truly some of the most genuine, salt of the earth people. My heart breaks for this sweet family.”
Family friend Kaitlyn Fly added: “To know this family is to love them!!! Please pray for Taylor and those precious babies.
“My heart is absolutely broken for them. Such a tragic and unimaginable loss.”
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails