On Wednesday, a district attorney in Massachusetts sadly reported the death of a father of four who lost his life while attempting to rescue his child from a rip current.
According to Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker, Gary Simard, aged 44, was “enjoying a day with his family” at Salisbury Beach on Wednesday afternoon when his child was swept away. An eyewitness reported that the father struggled in the water as he rushed into the ocean.
Robin DiNatale, who dialed 911, heard someone cry out for help and witnessed Simard’s immediate response. Once he reached his child, he also called for assistance. It is reported that two men entered the water to help and successfully brought the child ashore, but Simard remained unaccounted for.
According to reports, law enforcement and firefighters hurried to the area at 266 North End Boulevard and eventually located Simard before administering CPR. Sadly, the father passed away later in the Seabrook Emergency Room.
The family was renting a beach property when this tragedy occurred. Alexis Wornski, Simard’s long-time partner, expressed that Simard had protected her “baby” and “died a hero.”
According to Wernski, if given another chance to save his son, Simard would not hesitate to do so. He expressed enduring gratitude for the sacrifice. A message on his sister’s GoFundMe page also lauded the 44-year-old for his courage. The statement stated, “Gary was undeniably a hero who not only devoted his life to his children but also sacrificed his life for them.” “Money is being raised to cover Gary’s funeral expenses and the needs of his four young children. Gary devoted his life to his family.”
As of Friday morning, donations had exceeded $42,000.