Former Pro Baseball Player Drowns After Jumping in Water to Save Swimmers Caught in Current

A former professional baseball player drowned while attempting to rescue swimmers in distress in South Carolina, police said.

On Tuesday, July 15, the Pawleys Island Police Department identified 38-year-old Chase Childers as the victim of a Sunday, July 13, incident that occurred while the husband and father of three was vacationing.

“We would like to provide additional information on Sunday’s incident,” the PIPD said via X. “The victim, Chase Childers, and another person entered the water to help 4-5 individuals who were in distress. Sadly, Mr. Childers was caught in the rip current, as well. He died trying to save others.”

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said on Sunday that their deputies “participated in the recovery of a body from the ocean today after a swimmer in distress was reported just after 5 p.m.”

Bystanders were unsuccessful in their efforts to save him before first responders arrived.

Childers was a former professional baseball player, spending 2009 and 2010 in the Baltimore Orioles farm system. After retiring from the sport, he worked as a Cobb County police officer and received a lifetime achievement award for saving lives, per a GoFundMe established to help his family.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Chase,” GoFundMe organizer Jordan Wicker said. “It feels surreal, incredibly hard to grasp, and profoundly unfair.”

The post contained a photo of Childers standing outdoors for a professional family photoshoot. 

“Chase was a truly selfless individual, always prioritizing the safety of others above his own,” his family said in a statement to WCDB. “Without hesitation, he would leap into action whenever someone was in need, ready to tackle any challenge that came his way. To his family and all who knew him, he will forever be remembered as a hero.”

Law enforcement officials said this has been the fifth drowning on Pawleys Island since June 2023 and the second in the past month, the news station reported.

“The Town is saddened by the report of the drowning over the weekend.  We pray for the family members and offer our condolences,” Pawleys Island Mayor Brian Henry said in a statement on Monday, July 14.

Henry also thanked the local first responders “who worked tirelessly to recover the victim and bring comfort to the family.”

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The mayor urged residents and visitors to use caution when entering the water, “particularly during high surf,” and asked for everyone’s help in keeping Pawleys Island one of “the safest” beaches on the East Coast.

“We regret the recent drownings and Town Council will investigate all means available to mitigate the risk of future occurrences, including efforts to educate visitors on the dangers of rip currents,” the mayor concluded.

Childers is survived by his wife, Nataley, who had been his soulmate and best friend since they were teenagers, as well as their three children.