Chase Childers, a former minor league baseball player who later joined the police force. On a family trip to South Carolina, he drowned attempting to save five others from drowning in what became his tragic final act of heroism. On July 13, Childers and his wife, Nataley, were on a family outing to Pawleys Island. Their three kids were along too, turning the drive into a delightful family excursion.
As they swam together, Childers’ eye was caught by another family fighting for their lives in a rip current and drowning. Without thinking, he jumped into action, wading into the churning waters with another bystander to help rescue the struggling swimmers. Though Childers fought valiantly in attempting to save them, he did not return to the surface. As a result, local police and firefighters worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to form a search and rescue operation.
Rescue crews did not find his body for about 90 minutes after he fell in. Luckily, the family he attempted to rescue and the man who first accompanied him made it back to shore safely.
Chase Childers grew up in north Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, where he first rose to fame with his athletic talent. He captured the 2003 state baseball championship and eventually worked his way into a law enforcement career. In 2012, Officer Scott’s police force in Cobb County, Georgia, gave him a life-saving award for his service.
Michael Fanning, Pawleys Island chief of police, said that Childers’ immediate reaction to the emerging emergency was crucial. He stated that Childers’ “first responder instincts simply kicked in” in the face of danger.
Childers’ noble action struck a chord with the community. A GoFundMe page for his family has raised more than $160,000. This amazing display of support is a testament to the compassion of all those who have been moved by his story. The fundraising effort highlighted Childers’ extraordinary courage and selflessness, stating he “ultimately paid the highest sacrifice with his life.”
“Words are hard to find at this moment as … his wife and three children attempt to navigate life without Chase.” – The Associated Press
The GoFundMe page further described Chase as “a loving son, a dedicated brother, a treasured friend, an exceptional father to his three wonderful children, and the husband of his beautiful wife,” who had been his soulmate since their teenage years. It also noted that “his bravery, kindness and love will always be remembered.”