Heroic Former Athlete Dies Saving Family from Rip Current
Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, a former pro baseball player turned police officer, died heroically while rescuing a family of five from a rip current at Pawleys Island, South Carolina—right in front of his wife and three children.
While vacationing on Sunday, Childers jumped into action after a woman called for help. With another bystander, he brought all five victims to safety but was ultimately swept away by the current. His body was recovered 90 minutes later.
A native of Nashville and former Baltimore Orioles minor leaguer, Childers later served as a Cobb County police officer, earning a lifetime achievement award for saving lives. Friends and colleagues remember him as selfless, courageous, and devoted to his family.
His death marks the fifth drowning in the area since June 2023. In response, local authorities plan to improve beach safety and public awareness.
A GoFundMe page describes Childers as a devoted husband and father whose legacy of bravery and love will endure.