Search
Close this search box.

New details released in Destin drowning of Georgia husband and wife

Witnesses say the family was struggling about 75 to 100 yards offshore when a bystander used a boogie board to rescue the son.
OCSO

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has identified the husband and wife who drowned Tuesday in the Gulf near a Destin resort and released new details about the incident that claimed their lives while their son survived.

  • The couple were residents of Buford, Georgia, ages 57 and 54 respectively, according to a sheriff’s office news release Wednesday.

Witnesses told deputies the couple and their 26-year-old son were spotted struggling in the Gulf about 75 to 100 yards offshore of 1040 U.S. Highway 98. A bystander borrowed a boogie board and went out to try to rescue them.

He was able to get the son to shore, and his actions saved the young man’s life, the sheriff’s office said.

Beach safety personnel pulled the mother out of the water while Destin Beach Safety and an OCSO Marine Unit located the father. Intense and extensive lifesaving measures were performed on both parents but were unsuccessful.

Yellow flags were flying on the beach at the time

One Response

  1. My prayers to all family and friends of the deceased. Praying for the son for a full recovery in JESUS CHRIST NAME.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Congratulations Cpach Barnes! Blessings galore!”
Respond
“Where was lifeguards?”
Respond
“This is a heartbreaking and inspiring testament to strength and resilience. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your passion, Lakesha. HCA is lucky to have you!”
Respond
“I don't wish to downplay the honorable service played by each of these women. I must point out that the county and state have failed to remove the several hundred...”
Respond
“My prayers to all family and friends of the deceased. Praying for the son for a full recovery in JESUS CHRIST NAME.”
Respond
“Super! So glad they put these officers’ feet to the fire and held them accountable for their wrongdoing! Just because they have control of the inmates doesnt give them the...”
Respond
“you left out Twisted Grape, best burger the Zingouda !!!!!”
Respond
“What and awesome opportunity! I play Raven twice a week and the course can be set up to play longer for the PGA. The long-term success would be, at the...”
Respond
“Can't believe you didn't include the best one. Twisted Grape's Zin Burger.”
Respond
“HATS OFF TO " FRONTLINERS" BLOWING KISSES YOUR WAY!!!”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.