A Pennsylvania couple tragically lost their lives while vacationing in Florida with their six children due to a strong current.
Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishart, 48, were swimming on Hutchinson Island with two of their teenage children on June 20 when the situation became perilous.
While the teenagers survived, their parents were unable to escape the rough ocean.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement regarding the tragic incident. The teenagers bravely tried to rescue their parents but were unable to overcome the strong current. Emergency services were alerted, and rescue operations were initiated. Sadly, both Brian and Erica were declared dead by medical personnel, despite being rushed to a nearby hospital.
Phillyburbs.com reported that on that Tuesday afternoon, water conditions were extremely hazardous, with red flags signaling the dangerous current, as stated by Martin County Fire Rescue representative Cory Pippen. These flags are meant to warn beach visitors about potential water dangers like strong rip currents.
Larry Warter, Brian’s father, shared with CBS 12 News that his son and Erica had been in a relationship for over a year and were engaged. Erica was a mother of four children, while Brian was a father of two. The couple had planned to postpone their marriage until all their children had completed their education. Their trip to Stuart, Florida, held significant meaning for them.
“They were so thrilled that they couldn’t wait to get there,” Larry Warter mentioned. “This was the first time. This was the trial. They had all six of their children together. They had been planning this for more than a month.”
Brian Warter’s parents conveyed their deep love for the couple. Larry Warter recalled, “It was evident if you were with them,” as he reminisced about the love between Brian and Erica. Susie Warter, Brian’s mother, added that everyone who knew the couple adored them, and there was much hope for their future together.
The Warter family has been surrounded by immense community support. Larry Warter expressed, “We are overwhelmed by the offers of assistance and everything. We assumed we would have to face it alone, but that hasn’t been the case.”
On a fundraising platform, Wayne Sallurday paid a heartfelt tribute to Erica. “Erica was truly remarkable. She was a caring mother to two sons and two daughters; her youngest son was adopted at a young age,” the message conveyed.
“Erica worked at an elementary school where she taught children with special needs and then worked in the school library. She dedicated a lot of time to volunteering at her local church. We could continue, but you now understand. She was one of the kindest individuals you could ever meet.”
The National Weather Service offers crucial guidance on rip currents on its website. It stresses that while rip currents do not drag swimmers underwater, they can rapidly deplete their energy. Remaining composed is essential.
“Attempting to swim against a rip current will deplete your energy; energy that you need to survive and break free from the rip current. DO NOT attempt to swim directly to the shore. Swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current. Once free from its grasp, swim diagonally away from the current back to the shore,” the website advises. The service also advises against swimming alone and promotes the motto “When in doubt, don’t go out!”
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by rip currents and the importance of heeding safety alerts while swimming.
READ MORE: Father of three dies after saving two children from strong current – rest in peace
