‘His last gift’: father dies saving two of his children from drowning off Florida coast

Maine family was on vacation when Ryan Jennings died saving his son and daughter from rip current off Juno Beach A Maine family is grieving after a father died recently saving his son and one of his daughters from drowning off the coast of Florida, where they were on vacation. The selfless nature of Ryan Jennings’ actions has gained widespread attention online – and inspired his widow, Emily, to write a heartbreaking social media post which read: “His last gift to me was returning my children alive.” Emily also revealed that the couple had just learned they were expecting their fourth child. “I’m not really sure how to go on ever again,” she added. “I guess second by second.” Authorities say Jennings, 46, was swimming off Juno Beach on the afternoon of 1 April with his son, 12, and daughter, nine, when a rip current ensnared them. Jennings ultimately threw his son, Jax, out of harm’s way and instructed him to get help, Emily later wrote. Then, Ryan held his daughter, Charlie, above water until she could be brought to safety, too, according to the post from Emily, who was on the beach at the time building sandcastles with the couple’s younger daughter, Bowie, a

Apr 8, 2026 → Apr 8, 2026