Last week, a Chester County couple tragically lost their lives to a rip current while vacationing off Hutchinson Island in Florida, writes Chad Pradelli and staff for 6ABC.
51-year-old Brian Warter and 48-year-old Erica Wishard, of Downingtown, and two of their children were swept out to sea at around 1:30 PM. While their children were able to escape and swim back to shore, the pair struggled to get their bearings.
Lifeguards pulled an unconscious swimmer out of the water, finding the other minutes later. After life-saving measures were taken on the beach, in the ambulance, and even in the hospital, both were sadly reported to have passed away.
Now, 6 children are mourning their parents alongside community members. Warter had two older boys in their late teens and Wishard had four children as well.
“He was a wonderful neighbor. We helped him out with his dogs. He helped us out with our dogs, with gardening advice, and taking care of the yard. Very nice guy. Very nice neighbor,” said neighbor Lauren Aldridge.
“It seem[ed] like a great relationship,” she added about the couple. “So, we are at a loss for words about the whole thing.”
The Martin County Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Team Deputy were reported to be helping the children while waiting for their other family members to arrive down to Florida.
Read more about the loss of Brian Warter and Erica Wishard at 6ABC.
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