A Florida father drowned while trying to save a seagull that became caught in his fishing line, according to a friend and a fundraiser created for his family.
William “Stone” Romberg, a 31-year-old hospitality manager, was fishing at an inlet in Panama City Beach on Sunday when his cast hooked the bird. His friend Heidi Fortner said Romberg entered the water because he was concerned about the seagull and wanted to untangle it.
Fortner said the fishing hook and bird then became attached to Romberg’s hand. He attempted to swim back to shore, but a strong current pulled him farther out and he drowned.
Romberg is survived by his wife, Taylor Romberg, and their two daughters, aged three and one. The GoFundMe established to support the family had raised more than $116,000 by the time the death was reported.
