Father dies in Clearwater Beach water rescue, son released from hospital

Clearwater Police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded to a water rescue call around 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the 400 block of South Gulfview Boulevard. 

49-year-old Rigoberto Romero and his 10-year-old son began struggling in the water near the jetty on the south part of the beach.

Bystanders were able to pull the father and son from the water and off the rocks, and police officers and fire medics worked to attempt to revive him.

Rigoberto was transported to Morton Plant Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.

The son was taken to Morton Plant Hospital only as a precaution.

The investigation continues.