Army Veteran Dad, 38, Drowns While Trying to Save Son and Niece from Rip Current at Florida Beach

• Joshua Curtis, a 38-year-old Purple Heart recipient, died last month while trying to rescue his son and niece from a rip current in Florida
• “It is with great pride and sadness that we say goodbye to a man that embodies what it means to be a soldier, father, husband and ultimately a hero,” his family said in a statement
• He is survived by his wife and 6-year-old son Owen

The family of a U.S. Army veteran is grieving after he drowned while saving his son and niece from a Florida rip current.

“On April 24, 2025, Joshua lost his life at the age of 38, in his final heroic effort, saving the lives of his son and niece from a rip current at Main Beach in Fernandina Beach,” loved ones said in a GoFundMe page established to help his family.

According to a police report, when officers arrived at the scene they were able to recover two children before finding Curtis unresponsive in the water, according to the Fernandina Observer. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Based on their investigation and witness statements, police said that it is uncertain if Curtis was already in the water at the time of the incident, or whether he rushed in once he saw the children in distress.

The Fernandina Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Curtis’ family told CBS affiliate WBZ that the veteran, who was from Halifax, Mass., was visiting his Florida hometown at the time of the tragedy. He is survived by his wife and son Owen, 6.

“It is with great pride and sadness that we say goodbye to a man that embodies what it means to be a soldier, father, husband and ultimately a hero,” his family said in a statement to the outlet.

Curtis served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Purple Heart for heroism, per ABC affiliate WCVB.

Additionally, Curtis also a coach for the Massachusetts-based Silver Lake Warriors youth football program.

“His selfless actions were a reflection of the man he was—brave, loving, and devoted to those he cared about,” read a social media tribute from the organization.

“His son had just completed his first year of football, and Josh was preparing to take on the role of head coach for our Mighty Mites this upcoming season,” they continued. “His passion, leadership, and kindness will be deeply missed on and off the field.”