As summer approaches, many are eager to kick off their plans. However, authorities are cautioning the public to be vigilant, particularly around bodies of water, which can be unpredictable and hazardous.
About one years ago, authorities were called to Huguenot Park in Jacksonville, Florida, where Larry Dupree, 31, and two of his four children were caught in a rip current while swimming in the water. With the help of beachgoers who formed a human chain, Dupree’s children, aged 4 and 9, were rescued.
Larry Dupree, 31, tragically drowned while attempting to rescue his two young children. Despite the efforts of beachgoers, Dupree was unable to be reached before he fell beneath the waves.
At the time, red flags were posted on the beach due to the significant risk of rip currents, which marine expert Rod Sullivan warned are extremely dangerous, even for adults. When authorities arrived, the operation shifted from a search and rescue to a recovery mission.
On the next day, the search was called off and a body was found at the park by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department beach patrol. JSO homicide Sgt. Ed Bawroski stated that it appears the person drowned the day before.
While grieving the loss of her husband, Heather Dupree expressed gratitude for those who helped rescue her children. She wanted everyone who assisted her and her kids at the beach to know how thankful she is for their love, kindness, and consideration.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to provide financial support for the family’s four children in the wake of this tragic event.
The father’s final act was to rescue his children, displaying remarkable selflessness.
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