Former MLB Player and Officer Dies a Hero While Rescuing Family from Riptide in South Carolina

On a quiet summer afternoon at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, a moment of crisis transformed into a lasting testament of courage, love, and ultimate sacrifice.

Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, a former professional baseball player and law enforcement officer, gave his life while attempting to rescue multiple swimmers caught in a deadly rip current along the coast. What began as a family outing ended in heartbreak—but also left behind a legacy of unwavering heroism.

Witnesses say the current shifted rapidly, pulling several swimmers into deeper waters. Without hesitation, Childers and another bystander dove into the waves to bring them back. In the process, Childers himself became trapped by the same current he was fighting to overcome. Despite his strength, training, and willpower, he was tragically overcome by the ocean’s force.

“He died trying to save others,” stated the Pawleys Island Police Department, whose words echoed across social media and news networks alike.

Originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, Childers was a devoted husband and father of three. At the time of his death, he was living in Paulding County and had recently served more than three years as a uniformed patrol officer with the Cobb County Police Department.

Before donning a badge, Childers had worn a different kind of uniform—that of a professional athlete. A standout player at North Cobb Christian High School and Georgia State University, his talent earned him a coveted spot in the Baltimore Orioles organization in 2009. He played in the minor leagues, a dream many aspire to but few achieve. Yet those who knew Chase say his humility always stood taller than his résumé.

Though his time in professional baseball ended, his spirit of discipline and commitment continued through his law enforcement career and in his role as a father. Friends and family describe him as the type of man who lived with quiet strength, never needing recognition for his good deeds.

“Chase was the kind of person you’d want beside you in any crisis,” a colleague from Cobb County reflected. “He didn’t think twice about helping others. That’s who he was.”

On the day of the tragedy, Childers’ wife and three children were present on the beach. They watched in awe and terror as he fought to bring strangers to safety, his selflessness overpowering any fear for his own well-being. Tragically, he was swept under the waves just moments after ensuring others were safe.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after the incident to support his grieving family. Within days, the page surpassed $70,000 in donations—an overwhelming response that reflects how deeply his story has touched the nation.

“As a devoted husband and father, he displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness,” the campaign page reads. “In a heroic act, he saved a family of five… putting their lives above his own.”

The message continues: “Tragically, after giving everything he had to save them, he was unable to stay above water… ultimately paying the highest sacrifice with his life in front of his three children and wife. His bravery, kindness, and love will always be remembered.”

Tributes poured in from every corner of Childers’ life. Former teammates, law enforcement officers, and community members all shared stories that painted a portrait of a man who consistently put others first. The Baltimore Orioles organization released a heartfelt message, acknowledging his time with the team and the impact of his loss.

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

Childers’ story resonates because it encapsulates the very best of human nature. In an age of distraction and division, he stood as an example of what it means to lead with heart and courage—without asking for anything in return.

His life was marked by quiet dedication: to his sport, to his community, to his country, and most deeply to his family. He now joins the ranks of those rare individuals whose final act was one of profound bravery.

As the tide carried him away, it also carried forward the story of a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and died heroically.

May Anderson “Chase” Childers be remembered not only for how he died—but for how he lived.

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Source:
GoFundMe & Local Law Enforcement Reports