A Panama City Beach hospitality manager drowned Sunday after his fishing line accidentally hooked a seagull and he swam out to free it, according to his employer and a GoFundMe set up to help his family.
William "Stone" Romberg, 31, was fishing into Phillips Inlet near the Pinnacle Port Condominiums with friends when his cast caught the bird. He swam out to try to untangle the lure from the seagull, but his hand became caught on the bird and the hook in the process.
As Romberg tried to swim back to shore, the current pulled him farther out, and he drowned, according to fundraiser organizer Heidi Fortner.
Romberg worked as Beach Service Manager at La Dolce Vita, which confirmed his death in a statement.
“Stone tragically lost his life while fishing at the beach and attempting to help a bird caught in his fishing line. His kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed,” the company wrote.
Romberg, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is survived by his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters, ages 1 and 3. The family had celebrated their youngest daughter’s first birthday just two weeks before his death.
He was well known in the Panama City Beach area, including among residents of the nearby Carillon Beach community.
“Our Carillon Beach family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Stone Romberg, a cherished member of our community whose passing has touched so many of our homeowners, staff, and beach service team,” the Carillon Beach HOA wrote on Facebook.
The Salty Bottle & Brew, a cafe in Panama City Beach, also paid tribute to Romberg online.
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of our beloved Carillon Beach local, Salty regular, and wonderful husband and father that Stone Romberg was. We hold Stone’s family close in our hearts as he was such a bright light in our community,” the cafe wrote on Instagram.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Romberg’s wife and daughters.
