GA Teacher Dies While Rescuing Girl From Rip Current: Reports

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — A Georgia man is being called a hero after dying while rescuing a young girl from a rip current at a South Carolina beach.

Officers responded around 8 p.m. Friday to Myrtle Beach after being notified that the girl had been caught in the rip current, Myrtle Beach Police said.

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The man, identified in media reports as 47-year-old Loganville resident Derrick Moore, went into the ocean to help the girl to safety but was pulled underwater by the current, police said. The incident occurred after lifeguards had gone off duty, police said.

First responders returned to the beach near 10th Avenue South on Saturday morning to search for Moore, whose body ultimately washed ashore and was recovered, police said.

The Horry County Coroner's Office identified Moore to reporters. According to People, he had four children.

Moore also taught at Rockbridge Elementary School in DeKalb County, WXIA-TV reported.

"Throughout his time with DeKalb County School District, Mr. Moore made a meaningful impact on the students, families, colleagues and communities he served. His presence, care and dedication to education will be deeply missed," school officials said in a statement obtained by WXIA-TV.

Moore's daughter told WRAL the girl was unknown to her father. His daughter said he will be missed, he was a great father and was loved, according to the media report.

Samford University on Monday shared a statement, noting Moore graduated from the Birmingham university in 2001.

While a Samford student, Moore was an athlete. He played football and ran track and field, university officials said.

"A beloved teacher, Moore is remembered as a true hero. Please keep the Moore family in your prayers during this time," Samford said in the statement.

It appears TikTok user, V3RSTAIN, identified Moore as his father in a social media post. Under the post, a man commented that Moore saved him and his niece.

"He's my Hero..... I am so sorry....My heart goes out to the family.....I am trying to contact the family..... So please help me find someone he related to please....," the man, who goes by the TikTok handle, doughnut0979, wrote under the post.

The man also shared a photo of Moore on his own page, thanking Moore and saying Moore "became a hero to us all."

The girl was not the first person Moore has rescued in his lifetime, Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norman C. Sauce III told WXIA-TV. Years prior, Moore jumped into water to save his mother, Sauce reportedly said.

"During this difficult time, the DeKalb County School District community will come together with compassion, patience and understanding to honor Mr. Moore's life and legacy. Our thoughts are with Mr. Moore's family, loved ones, colleagues, students and everyone whose life was touched by his kindness, dedication and service to DCSD," school officials told the news outlet.