Father's Day Turns Tragic After Dad Saves Daughter

A Father's Day outing at Fort Lauderdale Beach turned tragic when a father lost his life after rescuing his daughter from drowning, just minutes after lifeguards had left their posts for the day. Antwon Wilson, 33, from Lauderhill, entered the water near the B Ocean Resort around 7:20pm local time on Sunday, 20 minutes after lifeguard stations closed, after two of his children appeared to be in distress, authorities say, per WSVN. Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Danny Moran said Wilson was able to reach his daughter and help keep her afloat before he went under. A bystander also jumped in to help, briefly getting pulled underwater himself before managing to help get the girl closer to shore.

Eslam Saad said he acted on instinct, hearing calls for help and not hesitating to go in. Lingering lifeguards then took over, bringing the girl to safety. Wilson was found after a search effort and brought to shore, where paramedics performed CPR. All three—the girl, Wilson, and Saad—were transported to Broward Health Medical Center, but Wilson didn't survive. Saad, who suffered minor injuries and swallowed water, learned the news at the hospital after checking on the family. He expressed that he would act the same way again "no matter what the consequences." Hospital officials said the rescued girl, described as younger than 11, is expected to recover, per the Guardian. (This content was created with the help of AI. Read our AI policy.)