A former professional baseball player turned police officer is being hailed as a hero after losing his life while saving a family of five from a dangerous rip current—right in front of his wife and children.

Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, tragically drowned on Sunday afternoon while vacationing with his family at Pawleys Island, South Carolina. According to local authorities and witnesses, Childers did not hesitate when a woman on the beach asked for help rescuing swimmers in distress. The swimmers, later identified as a family of five, were caught in a powerful rip current off the popular beach located about 26 miles south of Myrtle Beach.

“His first responder instincts kicked in and he went to the water to save people,” said Pawleys Island Police Chief Michael Fanning.

With the help of another good Samaritan, Childers successfully brought all five people safely back to shore. But in the process, he used every ounce of strength he had. The father of three was ultimately swept away by the current and disappeared beneath the waves—right before the eyes of his wife, Nataley, and their three children. 

The U.S. Coast Guard recovered Childers’ body about 90 minutes later. His death marks the fifth drowning in the Pawleys Island area since June 2023, and the second within the past month.

Childers is being remembered not only for his heroism but for his deep love for his family and his lifelong commitment to service. A GoFundMe page created to support his wife and children describes him as a “devoted husband and father” who “displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness.” The tribute adds, “His bravery, kindness, and love will always be remembered.”

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Childers later moved to Kennesaw, Georgia, where he starred on the baseball field at North Cobb Christian High School. He went on to play at Georgia State University before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. During his time in the minor leagues, he played second base and shortstop until stepping away from the game in 2010.

His career in public service began with the Cobb County Police Department, where he served over three years as a patrol officer. During that time, he received a lifetime achievement award recognizing his role in saving multiple lives.

“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing, and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” said a spokesperson for the Baltimore Orioles.

The Oregon Park Baseball Association, a local community league in Cobb County, also paid tribute: “If you had the privilege of knowing Chase, you knew he was a great man—selfless, courageous, and deeply devoted to his family.”

In response to the tragedy, Pawleys Island authorities are enhancing beach safety efforts. Chief Fanning said the department plans to increase public education about rip currents and install more warning signs and life-saving equipment.

Childers’ final act was one of courage, love, and sacrifice—leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

You can donate to the family’s gofundme page here.