Fort Lauderdale, FL – A Father’s Day outing turned tragic for Antwon Wilson, a 33-year-old father of two, who tragically lost his life while attempting to save his children from drowning at an ocean resort in Fort Lauderdale on June 16, 2025.
Authorities received emergency calls shortly after 7 p.m. about a drowning incident at the resort. Wilson had rushed into the ocean after seeing that his children appeared to be in distress while swimming.
The Heroic Rescue Attempt
According to police reports, Wilson first swam to his young daughter, who is estimated to be between 7 and 10 years old, and managed to keep her afloat. However, after some time, Wilson went underwater and never resurfaced.
Lifeguards, who had already wrapped up their shifts for the day, were packing up equipment about 20 minutes before the emergency occurred. When they heard the calls for help, they immediately rushed to the scene.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Daniel Moran explained that, “The father made it to the daughter and was able to keep her afloat until lifeguards were able to get in and pull the daughter out.”
The Efforts of a Good Samaritan
A good Samaritan, Eslaam Saad, also jumped into the ocean to try to help Wilson and his daughter. However, despite his best efforts, he was also pulled under the water. “A lot of people were just screaming, ‘Help, help, help,’” Saad told WSVN. “I didn’t think about anything.
I didn’t even tell my wife I’m going in the water again. I just jumped into the water. I just tried to swim, I just tried to get out with her. I think I did my best to get her closer to offshore.”
While Saad struggled in the water, the daughter’s sibling, who was swimming nearby, was also in distress but was successfully rescued by the lifeguards.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Once the children were safely pulled to shore by lifeguards, authorities began searching for Wilson. After a few minutes, they found him underwater. He, along with his daughter and the good Samaritan, was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical staff, Wilson did not survive the ordeal.
The Outcome and Community Reactions
Wilson’s daughter and the good Samaritan were both treated and are expected to recover. The community has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Wilson, who sacrificed his life to save his children.
Saad, the good Samaritan, shared his grief upon learning of Wilson’s passing. “Once I got into the hospital and they made sure I’m OK, I was trying to ask about them, they told me her dad was already gone,” Saad said.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of swimming and the courage it takes for a parent to protect their children at all costs. The community mourns the loss of a loving father, and his selfless act of bravery has left a lasting impact on all who were involved.