Key Point Summary – Chase Childers Dies Saving Family

• Chase Childers drowned after rescuing a family of five from a rip current
• He died in front of his wife and three children during a family vacation
• The former MLB prospect later became a decorated police officer
• A good Samaritan helped him save the stranded swimmers
• His body was recovered 90 minutes later by the Coast Guard
• Childers is remembered for bravery, fatherhood, and community leadership
• Pawleys Island has now seen five drownings since June 2023

A Vacation Turns Tragic

What began as a family trip to Pawleys Island, South Carolina ended in tragedy when 38-year-old Anderson “Chase” Childers spotted a group of swimmers in distress. Without hesitating, the former Baltimore Orioles minor league player and Georgia police officer rushed into the water to help.

He didn’t know it would be his final act.

Childers and another beachgoer managed to bring the stranded family safely back to shore. But he had used every ounce of his strength. As the waves dragged at him, he vanished under the surf—right in front of his wife, Nataley, and their three young children.

A Life Defined By Sacrifice

Childers wasn’t just a family man. He was a protector, both on and off the field.

Originally from Nashville and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia, Childers played baseball at North Cobb Christian High School before joining Georgia State University. He was later drafted into the Baltimore Orioles organization, where he played second base and shortstop in the minors until 2010.

After leaving baseball, he found new purpose. He traded his glove for a badge and joined the Cobb County Police Department. There, he served as a uniformed patrol officer for over three years, earning a lifetime achievement award for saving lives during his service.

His instincts to protect never left him. That’s why, on July 14, when someone screamed for help, Chase ran toward danger.

A Community in Mourning

Back home, the news sent shockwaves through his community.

The Oregon Park Baseball Association called him “a respected, well-loved coach and a pillar of our community.” The Baltimore Orioles issued a statement mourning his loss, saying they were “saddened to learn of Chase’s passing” and extended condolences to his loved ones.

The GoFundMe campaign launched in his memory described him as a “devoted husband and father” who “displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness.” Within hours, hundreds of people had donated.

His wife, Nataley, and their children—Barrett, Brooks, and Bella—now face life without the man who gave everything for others.

Deadly Waters at Pawleys Island

Childers’ drowning marks the fifth on Pawleys Island since June 2023—and the second in the past month alone.

Police Chief Michael Fanning said officials are stepping up safety measures. Plans include new signage warning of dangerous rip currents, and more life rings at popular access points.

“We’re going to put up extra signage in areas that are prone to these rip currents,” Fanning told reporters. “We already have life rings, but we need more in hazard-prone spots.”

Despite the presence of safety tools, rip currents continue to claim lives. Experts warn they can strike suddenly, even in seemingly calm waters.

A Final Act of Heroism

Childers didn’t hesitate. He didn’t ask questions. He saw people in trouble and ran toward them.

He died doing what he had always done—saving others.

His death is a crushing loss to his family, his community, and everyone who knew him. But it is also a reminder of how powerful one act of courage can be.

His children may grow up without their father—but they will always know he died a hero.