By admin Derrick Moore apparently didn’t know the young girl struggling in the ocean Friday while in Myrtle Beach. But that didn’t stop the father of four from rushing into the water to pull her to safety.
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The rip current that day, however, was too strong, and while Moore managed to get the girl to safety, he collapsed beneath the waves. Rescue crews searched for him late into the evening, but it wasn’t until the next day that his body was recovered when it washed ashore seven streets from where he went into the water.
Many took to social media, including Moore’s children, over the weekend to talk about the Georgia elementary school teacher who was lovingly referred to as “coach” by his students, according to the DeKalb County School District.
Messages left for family were not returned by publication.
“The DeKalb County School District is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Derrick Moore, a beloved educator and valued member of the DeKalb County School District family,” according to a statement from the school district.
Derrick Moore, teacher, ‘great father,’ son and brother
Moore, 47, of Loganville, was a teacher at Rockbridge Elementary School, which started its new school year on Aug. 3. Moore “cared deeply for his students and school community,” the statement said. Before joining Rockbridge Elementary, Moore was a teacher at Jolly Elementary School.
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Family members on Facebook said that Moore was a “great father,” son and brother and would often drive long distances to attend games for his nephew. “He died a hero,” his son wrote on TikTok.
Moore assisted the struggling child near 4th Avenue South after witnesses reported that the girl was caught in a strong rip current, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
Moore entered the water about 7:53 p.m. to get the young girl, Myrtle Beach Police Facebook post.
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The incident occurred after lifeguards had gone off duty.