A father from Maine has died after rushing into the ocean to save two of his children who were pulled into a rip current off South Florida earlier this week.
Ryan and Emily Jennings were in Florida with their three children, visiting Ryan’s parents after traveling from North Yarmouth, Maine. The family went swimming at Juno Beach on Wednesday (April 1).
According to Bangor Daily News, the couple’s stepson Jax and their nine-year-old daughter Charlie began struggling in the water after being carried farther from shore by powerful surf.
Ryan, 46, entered the water and managed to get both children to safety. He was later unable to make it back himself.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Ryan was pronounced dead. His death was ruled a drowning.
The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue told WMTW: “This incident underscores the importance of swimming at guarded beaches, where trained lifeguards can identify hazardous conditions, including rough surf and rip current formation, helping to reduce the risk of incidents before they happen.”
In the aftermath, Emily shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, calling her husband the “most loving man that there ever was.”
She wrote: “My soulmate and my best friend – I never want to be away from you. I always hoped I would leave before you so I never had to spend a day without you. I can’t believe this is where I am at. Our love is one that most people never find.
“Ryan was the sweetest, most loving man that there ever was, my Rye Guy. You gave me the most beautiful 12 years of my life. You always had us. Our calm in any storm.”
Emily added: “Ryan lost his battle yesterday saving our children from a rip current. He threw Jax to safety to get help and held up my Charlie above water until someone could get to them. His last gift to me was returning my children alive. Our hero, like always.
“Jax, Charlie, Bowie, and myself really don’t know how to move forward. It’s like the air is just taken out of our lungs.”
She also said the couple had recently learned they were expecting another child, describing the news as a source of hope during an otherwise devastating time—an “enormous light at the possibility of bringing another little Rye life into this world.”
“I love you forever, my sweet Rye. We always promised we’d find each other in every life, and I intend to keep that promise,” Emily concluded the heartbreaking statement.
A GoFundMe has been created to help support the Jennings family.