A Georgia father of four became a hero after sacrificing his own life to save a 10-year-old girl caught in a powerful rip current at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Derrick Moore, 47, was visiting the beach on August 8 when he saw the child struggling in the water. Lifeguards were already off duty when Moore entered the ocean to help.

He didn’t know the girl
The girl, Summer McCallum, had been pulled away from shore by the current and was struggling to stay afloat.

Moore managed to reach her and get her to safety.

But as he tried to make his way back, the same dangerous current pulled him underwater.

His body was recovered the following day near 11th Avenue South.

A father of four chose to become a rescuer
Moore was a teacher from Loganville, Georgia, and a father of four.

He had no personal connection to Summer or her family.

He simply saw a child in danger and went into the ocean.

Summer’s family has since spoken about their gratitude toward the stranger who saved her life. Her uncle, Ernest McCallum, was also involved in the rescue attempt and said Moore’s actions likely saved both of their lives.

“I owe my life to you”
After surviving the terrifying incident, Summer reflected on the man who had rescued her.

Her words were simple but heartbreaking:

“I really owe my life to you.”

For her family, Moore’s decision meant they were able to take their daughter home.

For Moore’s own family, however, he never returned.

His daughter described the family as “truly heartbroken” over the loss of their father.

One life saved, another lost
The tragedy is a reminder of just how dangerous rip currents can be.

They can pull swimmers away from shore with tremendous force, making even strong swimmers vulnerable.

But this story is ultimately about more than the ocean.

It is about a stranger who saw a child fighting for her life and chose to act.

Derrick Moore went into the water knowing there was danger.

He got the little girl out.

And while she returned to her family, he never made it back to his.

He was a father of four.

A teacher.

And, for one little girl, the reason she is still alive today.