A Father Drowns After Saving His Daughters From Drowning In The Sea

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

A 53-year-old Tennessee father drowned during a family vacation in Florida after saving his daughters after they were washed up in rough waters on July 14.

Fred Pepperman and his family were out on the beach in Seacrest, Florida, one day when one of their four daughters, 16-year-old Grace, was caught in a whirlpool. Two of her other daughters, Olivia, 20, and Kathryn, 24, went out looking for her, but were also caught in the incident, his wife, Julie Pepperman, told the WTSP news station.

Fred swam to rescue the girls, using all his strength to bring them to the surface with a board that another family member had brought in to aid the rescue. While his daughters arrived at a safe place, Fred fell unconscious and a group of spectators had to take him back to the coast to be helped. After being taken to the hospital, he was declared dead.

"Without him, three of mine would definitely have left," Julie told the network about her husband's heroic actions. "It does not look real".

"I just want people to know that a lot of dads say they would, and he did it, so that's a dad," he continued.

The family started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Fred's daughters to go to college. It has raised $ 3,500 since Tuesday.

"He was a family man and always made those around him feel welcome and loved," read the description on the donations page. "He lived for those around him and dedicated his life to being the most devoted spouse and father possible."

"He died for the greatest purpose in life, his children," the message continues. "Freddy will never be forgotten, but life will never be the same without him."