A Father’s Day celebration in Florida turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when 33-year-old Antwon Wilson gave his life to save his daughters from drowning.

Wilson was with his family at the beach near the B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale Sunday evening when he saw his two young daughters caught in rough waters. Without thinking twice, he rushed into the ocean to save them.

“The father was nearby and able to make it to her and help keep her afloat before he went under,” Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Danny Moran told WSVN.

Lifeguards had just closed their towers about 20 minutes earlier but were still nearby and quickly returned when they saw the commotion. “They were first on scene, they were able to turn their trucks around and be the first responders from our fire rescue department,” Moran added.

Another hero stepped in to help—a vacationer from Ohio named Eslam Saad. He didn’t hesitate when he heard cries for help.

“I didn’t think about anything. I didn’t even tell my wife I’m going in the water again. I just jumped into the water,” Saad told WSVN.

But the water was fierce, and Saad soon found himself fighting to stay afloat.

“I was able to hear my youngest girl crying, my wife,” he said. “I was drowning also. I think it was a miracle I am safe right now.”

Still, he reached one of Wilson’s daughters and urged her to stay calm: “Please, I know you are in panic. Please, do not do anything crazy, I will try my best to get you out.”

In a desperate attempt to help her get closer to the shore, Saad told her to stand on his shoulder and jump. “I think I did my best to get her closer to the shore, and after that, she stood on my shoulder and jumped toward the beach outside.”

Lifeguards and Ocean Rescue lieutenants were able to bring her safely in. But Wilson, who had managed to keep his daughter afloat, had disappeared under the waves. Emergency responders searched the water and eventually found him. They performed CPR on the beach before rushing him to Broward Health Medical Center.

Sadly, Wilson was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Saad and one of the daughters were also taken to the hospital. Saad was later released, and the girl was said to be “awake and responsive,” according to WFLA.

“Once I got into the hospital and they made sure I’m OK,” Saad said, “I was trying to ask about them, they told me her dad was already gone.”

On a day meant to honor fathers, Antwon Wilson laid down his life for his children—a true act of love and sacrifice. His courage reminds us of the powerful words of Scripture and the deep love a parent has for their child. Please join us in praying for the Wilson family in this time of great sorrow.