A man and his 10-year-old daughter died after being swept away by a strong current while on a family beach trip over the weekend, Florida authorities say.
The man, 42-year-old Michael Stephens, was with his three daughters – Isabella Stephens, 10, Trinity Stephens, 13, and Brittany Stephens, 20 – and Brittany’s boyfriend Jessie Johnson, 20, on Sunday at Pass-a-Grille Beach , when the incident occurred, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office it says in a press release.
According to the sheriff’s office, Michael Stephens was in the water with Isabella Stephens, Brittany Stephens and Johnson when they noticed the current getting stronger.
The sheriff’s office said Johnson was able to help Brittany Stephens out of the water, but when he went back to help the others, they were too far from shore.
As Johnson worked to rescue the father-daughter couple from the current that “had gotten too strong,” Trinity Stephens called 911 for help.
Just before 8pm, authorities spotted the father and the 10-year-old about half a mile offshore. First responders took them to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead, the press release said.
Pass-a-Grille is a small beach community about 30 miles southwest of Tampa.
Detectives are still investigating the incident but say the drowned do not appear suspicious.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns currents can be strong and fast moving and recommends swimming parallel to shore to avoid them.