Former pro baseball player Chase Childers dies by drowning while trying to rescue 5 people in South Carolina

Chase Childers, a former baseball player, passed away on Sunday after drowning while attempting to save other people who were being swept away by the current. According to People Magazine, Childers was visiting Pawleys Island in South Carolina when he noticed that a few people were in distress. They were being pulled by the currents while swimming, and he then took it upon himself to help them.

Chase Childers was first signed by the Baltimore Orioles in June 2009. He was then transferred to the Florida Complex League Orioles, a team comprising younger talents scouted by the Baltimore Orioles. After a year, in 2010, Childers was transferred to another minor team, the now non-existent Bluefield Blue Jays, a team that played tournaments in the Appalachian League. Despite having a short stint in the MLB, he went on to join the police force and was stationed in Cobb County. In 2012, he was awarded the Cobb County Police Department Life Saving Award.

Details about the tragic incident involving Chase Childers

Chase Childers, whose full name was Anderson “Chase” Childers, was vacationing on Pawleys Island with his wife, Nataley, and their three children. According to the New York Post, Chase Childers put himself at risk to help save a family of five who were struggling to get out of the dangerous currents. But soon after, he was swept away by the strong force of the currents.

His family released a statement after the tragic incident, saying:

"Chase was a truly selfless individual, always prioritizing the safety of others above his own. Without hesitation, he would leap into action whenever someone was in need, ready to tackle any challenge that came his way. To his family and all who knew him, he will forever be remembered as a hero,”

Chase Childers attended Georgia State University and was one of only nine players in the school’s history to have over two hundred hits.

The Pawleys Island Police Department also released a statement regarding his tragic death and praised his bravery. They said:

"We would like to provide additional information on Sunday's incident. The victim, Chase Childers, and another person entered the water to help 4-5 individuals who were in distress. Sadly, Mr. Childers was caught in the rip current, as well. He died trying to save others.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up by family friend Jordan Wicker to raise $100,000 to help the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser has already raised $92,118, with over seven hundred donations. A part of the statement reads:

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"Tragically, after giving everything he had to save them, he was unable to stay above water as the rip tide swept him away, ultimately paying the highest sacrifice with his life in front of his three children and wife. His bravery, kindness, and love will always be remembered. Words are hard to find at this moment. We deeply appreciate all the prayers, love, and support as our family, particularly his wife and three children, attempt to navigate life without Chase. These funds will go to support Nataley and their sweet children as they try to heal from the painful loss of Chase, who was tragically taken from this world far too soon and will always be remembered as a Hero."

Chase Childers, who was thirty-eight years old, is survived by his wife and three young children.

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