Florida Dad Dies Trying to Free Seagull From Fishing Line
WHO:
TMZ - William “Stone” Romberg was a father of two and a hospitality manager.
FOX Weather - Romberg was 31 and worked as a beach service manager for La Dolce Vita rentals at Carillon Beach.
FOX Weather - Romberg is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their daughters, Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1.
FOX Weather - La Dolce Vita rentals established a GoFundMe for Romberg’s family.
FOX Weather - The fundraiser described Romberg as “a valued coworker and a cherished part of the La Dolce Vita family,” adding that he was known for his “hard work, kind heart, and willingness to always lend a hand.”
FOX Weather - The fundraiser said Romberg “brought a positive attitude each day and made a lasting impression on the people around him.”
NY Post - Loved ones remembered Romberg as a “wonderful husband and father.”
WHAT:
TMZ - Romberg drowned after swimming out to help a seagull he had hooked while fishing.
FOX Weather - The bird and hook became caught on Romberg’s hand as he tried to free the bird.
FOX Weather - Romberg drowned after a current carried him farther out as he swam back toward shore.
WHERE:
TMZ - Romberg was fishing in Panama City Beach, Florida.
FOX Weather - He was fishing near Carillon Beach, near his Florida home.
NY Post - The incident occurred in Panama City Beach in the Florida Panhandle.
WHY:
FOX Weather - Romberg swam out to free a seagull tangled in his fishing line.
HOW:
FOX Weather - As Romberg swam back to shore, the current carried him farther out, and he drowned.
(UPDATED October 29, 2026 16:04 UTC)
William “Stone” Romberg, a 31-year-old beach service manager and father of two, drowned off Panama City Beach, Florida, after swimming out to free a seagull tangled in his fishing line. The bird and hook became caught on his hand, and as Romberg swam back toward shore, a current carried him farther out. He is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their daughters, Hadley and Lainey, and his employer has established a fundraiser for the family.