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New details released in Destin drowning of Georgia husband and wife

Witnesses say the family was struggling about 75 to 100 yards offshore when a bystander used a boogie board to rescue the son.
OCSO

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has identified the husband and wife who drowned Tuesday in the Gulf near a Destin resort and released new details about the incident that claimed their lives while their son survived.

  • The couple were residents of Buford, Georgia, ages 57 and 54 respectively, according to a sheriff’s office news release Wednesday.

Witnesses told deputies the couple and their 26-year-old son were spotted struggling in the Gulf about 75 to 100 yards offshore of 1040 U.S. Highway 98. A bystander borrowed a boogie board and went out to try to rescue them.

He was able to get the son to shore, and his actions saved the young man’s life, the sheriff’s office said.

Beach safety personnel pulled the mother out of the water while Destin Beach Safety and an OCSO Marine Unit located the father. Intense and extensive lifesaving measures were performed on both parents but were unsuccessful.

Yellow flags were flying on the beach at the time

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One Response

  1. My prayers to all family and friends of the deceased. Praying for the son for a full recovery in JESUS CHRIST NAME.

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Community Comments

“Maybe the Shalimar Mayor can use some of that speed trap money a have Eglin Pkwy Repaved.”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 15, 2026
“3:16, 5 attempts”
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“no work had been done since February. I drive this road 4 days a week to and from work and fortunately I drive a truck. I feel for anybody driving...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 14, 2026
“5 attempts, 1:10”
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“Totally agree, the Destin harbor is bad enough already, they've already built all the new boat slips which take up navigable water. Another marina, more boats, less space and more...”
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“What they have started so far is terrible. Who paves in random 50-300 yard segments. That is not cost effective, nor a good management of time & resources. I am...”
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“Thank you Shalimar Mayor for pushing FDOT's button. We currently have a duopoly on major paving projects which needs to be broken”
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“The contractor has 500+ days from July 2025 to finish. It was baked in the contract. FDOT needs to tighten the elapsed time allowed. In this case it should have...”
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