A beloved Georgia elementary school teacher and father, Derrick Moore, 47, died after jumping into the ocean to save a young girl caught in a rip current off Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Moore entered the water near 10th Avenue South after a young girl became caught in a rip current at approximately 7:53 p.m. Friday, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

Moore was able to get the girl to safety but was then pulled underwater by the rip current and disappeared, police said. The incident occurred after lifeguards had gone off duty. Myrtle Beach police and firefighters continued searching for Moore into Saturday morning. Police announced Saturday afternoon that his body had washed ashore and was recovered.

Community Mourns Loss

Moore’s daughter told WRAL that her father did not know the girl he risked his life to save. Moore leaves behind four children, according to a GoFundMe page. As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from Moore’s friends, former teammates, and family members, who remembered him as a devoted father, gifted athlete, and selfless man whose final act reflected the way he lived his life.

The DeKalb County School District confirmed Moore was a current teacher at Rockbridge Elementary School in Georgia, where his students affectionately referred to him as ‘Coach.’ The district said Moore ‘made a meaningful impact on the students, families, colleagues, and communities he served,’ adding that his ‘presence, care, and dedication to education will be deeply missed.’ Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also paid tribute to Moore, saying ‘Marty and I were heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Derrick Moore, a father, teacher, and coach.’

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.