Former MLB Prospect Dies Saving Family from Rip Current
A former MLB prospect turned police officer died in front of his wife and three kids after he tried to save a family of five from a treacherous rip current, local outlet WCBD reported.
On the afternoon of July 13, Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, was with his family at Pawleys Island when a woman approached and asked for his help rescuing a group of distressed swimmers. “His first responder instincts kicked in and he went to the water to save people,” Pawleys Island Police Chief Michael Fanning said.
Childers and another person helped to get the family of five safely to land, but the former baseball player encountered trouble as he tried to return to shore, having used all of his energy in the rescue effort. As his helpless wife and children watched, Childers disappeared below the water’s surface. His body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard about 90 minutes later.
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On a GoFundMe page established by his family, Childers is remembered as a “devoted husband and father” who “displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness” in his final moments. “His bravery, kindness, and love will always be remembered,” the post read.
Childers was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, for whom he played second base and shortstop in the team’s minor league branch before leaving in 2010. He then entered into a police officer training program for the Cobb County Police Department, where he served as a uniform officer from 2022 until his death.
“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing, and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” an Orioles spokesperson told WWNYTV, adding that Childers “was one of our own, a respected, well-loved coach and a pillar of our community.” “If you had the privilege of knowing Chase, you knew he was a great man, selfless, courageous, and deeply devoted to his family,” the statement continued. “We as a community need to come together now more than ever and lift up [his wife] Nataley [and children] Barrett, Brooks, and Bella, giving them as much love and support as possible.”
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