20-Year-Old Son Dies While Trying to Save Father at Beach After Both Struggled in ‘Uncontrollable Rip Currents’ 

A family friend said Daniel Roberts and his son Dylan were caught in uncontrollable rip currents

NEED TO KNOW

• A man and his son died in a swimming incident while vacationing at North Carolina’s Holden Beach
• The victims have since been identified as Daniel Roberts, 46, and Dylan Roberts, 20
• A family friend said that Dylan went out to save his dad, who was caught in a rip current

Family members and friends are remembering a man and his son who died in a swimming incident while vacationing at North Carolina’s Holden Beach.

Daniel Roberts, 46, and Dylan Roberts, 20, died after they struggled in the water at the beach on Aug. 2, authorities said. A family friend said that Dylan went out to save his dad, who was caught in a rip current. Despite first responders’ efforts to resuscitate them, both victims died.

Authorities said the incident occurred on Sunday, Aug. 2, at the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West, according to The Charlotte Observer and local affiliates WWAY and WRAL.

Justin Davis, a family friend, told WWAY that, based on what he was told, Daniel was caught in a rip current and Dylan, who saw his father in trouble, went to save him. 

“In the blink of an eye, they were in uncontrollable rip currents,” Davis said.

In a Monday, Aug. 3, news release shared with the Observer, Holden Beach Police Chief Steve Barger said, “Police, fire and EMS personnel responded immediately and initiated rescue and advance life support efforts. Despite those efforts, both individuals were pronounced deceased.”

Barger also said, “The Town of Holden Beach extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time,” according to WRAL. He added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”

Davis has since created a GoFundMe to help the surviving members of the Roberts family. 

“In his father’s moment of greatest need, Dylan acted without hesitation, courageously entering the water and ultimately giving his own life while trying to save him. His final act was one of extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and love—Dylan died a hero,” Davis wrote in the fundraiser description. 

Davis told WWAY that Dylan had recently married his high school sweetheart, identified as Maggie Day. She reacted to the tragedy in a Monday Facebook post addressed to her late husband. 

“i woke up just hurting for you and your dad,” Day wrote. “you guys didnt deserve this. ive never had a good outlook on men, but your father always welcomed me as my own. you guys were alot alike. you both were so extremely selfless, and courageous. i cant believe we lost both of you, im still in such shock.” 

“daniel just lit up every room he entered. always pulled the funniest but also cringiest dad jokes. he was such a good person and father, son, and husband,” she continued. 

“my sweet boy, you were such a kind and funny soul. you always made me laugh and always knew how to comfort me when i didnt even know i needed it…you helped me thru some tough times. thank you for taking care of me, always providing and being so hardworking,” Day further added.

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Davis wrote in the online fundraiser’s description that both Day and the Roberts family are now facing emotional and financial struggles.

“The road ahead is uncertain, and every bit of help will make a difference as they try to rebuild and heal,” Davis wrote.

As of Thursday, Aug. 6, the GoFundMe has generated over $36,000.

The Holden Beach Police Department and Davis did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.