A father’s final gift: Florida dad dies saving daughter on father’s day

What was meant to be a joyful Father’s Day on the beach ended in heartbreak, as a Florida father lost his life while heroically rescuing his daughter from the ocean, as reported by The Guardian on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

On Sunday evening in Fort Lauderdale, 33-year-old Antwon Wilson died after rushing into the water to save his child, authorities confirmed.

Wilson had taken his two children to the beach near the B Ocean Resort for a celebratory outing when things took a tragic turn just after 7:30 p.m.

The children, both minors, became distressed in the waves—around 20 minutes after lifeguards had gone off duty for the day.

A call for help was made from the nearby hotel, prompting off-duty lifeguards to return swiftly to the scene.

According to Fort Lauderdale Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Danny Moran, when lifeguards arrived, they found Wilson still in the water, struggling to keep one of his daughters afloat.

Eslam Saad, a bystander who witnessed the scene unfold, acted without hesitation.

Hearing desperate cries for help, he plunged into the water to assist Wilson and the child.

But the powerful current quickly became too much for him. Saad told WSVN he became overwhelmed and had no choice but to retreat to shore.

“It was terrifying,” he said later, “but I’d do it all again—no matter the outcome.”

As the rescue unfolded, lifeguards managed to reach and pull the young girl from the water.

Sadly, Wilson went under.

Rescue teams later recovered him and brought him back to shore alongside his daughter and Saad.

All three were rushed to a nearby hospital.

There, Wilson was pronounced dead.

His daughter and Saad are both expected to make a full physical recovery.

Saad, reflecting on the ordeal from the hospital, said he couldn’t stop thinking about Wilson and the girl.

When he asked staff about their condition, he was met with devastating news.

“They told me her dad was already gone,” he told WSVN, visibly shaken.

The story of Wilson’s final, selfless act quickly spread across the nation.

His bravery was widely shared on social media, especially in communities that honor everyday heroes.

For many, Wilson’s sacrifice became a powerful reminder of a parent’s boundless love.

Tributes poured in from friends, family, and even strangers who were moved by the story.

Wilson’s grandmother, lovingly referring to him by his nickname “Twon,” asked for prayers as the family began grieving the unthinkable loss.

“I’ll always remember the good times we shared,” her statement read.

“And for that, my God, I say thank you.”

Wilson’s professional life was also remembered with admiration.

A colleague noted that he worked for a tax and financial services company, where he was known for his kindness and dedication.

Just days before his death, Wilson had been involved in organizing a school reunion, reconnecting with old friends and looking forward to the future.

A fundraising campaign was launched through a GoFundMe page, dedicated to supporting the daughters he left behind.

The link was shared through the reunion group as friends and former classmates came together to honor his memory.

One childhood friend expressed the shock and sorrow felt by so many: “I still can’t understand why you had to go.”

Another tribute read simply, but powerfully, “You’re definitely a hero, my guy. See ya on the other side.”

In a world often defined by fleeting headlines, Antwon Wilson’s story stands as a profound testament to love, sacrifice, and courage.

On a day meant to celebrate fathers, he gave the ultimate gift—his life—to save his child.

And while his physical presence is gone, Wilson’s legacy will endure, in the lives he touched, the daughter he saved, and the countless people who now carry his story forward.

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