Father Dies Saving Daughter from Drowning in Fort Lauderdale

A Lauderhill father died after heroically trying to save his children from drowning off Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday evening.

Antwon Wilson, 33, rushed into the ocean near the B Ocean Resort on Seabreeze Boulevard around 7:20 p.m. after noticing one of his children— a young girl between 7 and 10 years old—struggling in the water.

Wilson managed to reach his children, both of whom were rescued. One child was taken to the hospital, along with Wilson and a good Samaritan who also joined the rescue effort.

Wilson was later pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center. A death investigation is underway.

The good Samaritan, Eslam Saad, was released from the hospital Monday. A father himself, Saad said he didn’t hesitate to act when he heard cries for help while at the beach with his own family.

“I just tried to get her closer to the shore,” Saad recalled. “She stood on my shoulder and jumped toward the beach… I was drowning also. I think it was a miracle I am safe right now.”

Saad said the girl’s family hugged and thanked him as he left the hospital.

The young girl remains hospitalized.