Anderson “Chase” Childers, a former Baltimore Orioles minor leaguer and a one-time police officer, tragically lost his life over the weekend while trying to rescue swimmers caught in a rip current off the coast of South Carolina. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon in Pawleys Island, around 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach.
The Heroic Act
Around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Childers, 38, and another individual rushed into the water to assist four or five swimmers who were struggling in the strong currents. After ensuring the swimmers were safely brought to shore, Childers was unfortunately caught in the same rip current.
Despite efforts by police, the Midway Fire Rescue team, and the Coast Guard, Childers was found about 90 minutes later at 6:15 p.m.
His family, friends, and colleagues are mourning the loss of a man known for his bravery, both in and out of the water. The Cobb County Police Department in Georgia, where Childers had worked as an officer, remembered him as “a devoted husband and father” who displayed “extraordinary courage and selflessness” in his final moments.
Childers’ Background
Chase Childers was more than just a hero in the water. He was a standout athlete and a former baseball player at Georgia State University. As the school’s all-time leader in walks (120) and second overall in sacrifices (28), Childers left a lasting mark on the university’s baseball program.
His senior season in 2009 saw him hit .307 with a .405 on-base percentage, earning him recognition for his skill and determination on the field.
After his college career, Childers joined the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system, playing for the Gulf Coast League affiliate and the Bluefield Orioles.
Though he eventually retired from baseball, his commitment to service did not end. He worked as a police officer with the Cobb County Police Department between 2011 and 2014. Even after leaving law enforcement, Childers continued to serve others in meaningful ways, most notably with his heroic actions that ultimately cost him his life.
A Family’s Loss
Chase Childers is survived by his wife, Nataley, and their three children. His former colleagues at the Cobb County Police Department honored him by describing his sacrifice as “the highest form of honor.”
They expressed immense pride in calling him one of their own, emphasizing that his actions were a reflection of the bravery he demonstrated throughout his life.
Childers’ courage in the face of danger serves as a reminder of the selfless sacrifices made by so many, whether in law enforcement, sports, or everyday life.
