Kennesaw State University student Daniel Rowe, 18, tragically lost his life rescuing his girlfriend's 14-year-old sister from a rip current in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While vacationing with his girlfriend's family, Rowe selflessly ensured the teen reached safety but succumbed to exhaustion in the process. Though lifeguards revived him on the beach, he suffered severe brain injuries and was declared brain dead. He passed away on July 3rd, his death officially ruled an accidental drowning.

Rowe's family remembers him as a compassionate and caring young man, always ready to help others. His cousin, Nashonie Chang, shared with Fox 5 Atlanta, "We are thankful for the 18 years we had with him. He was truly a good person." This tragedy marks at least the fifth drowning in a rip current involving a Georgia resident this year, with several victims attempting to save others, according to NOAA.

While the family grieves, they express gratitude for the outpouring of support received from both Georgia and South Carolina communities. "It's been incredibly difficult," Chang stated, "but the support has been meaningful during this painful time." Rowe's body has been returned to Georgia.