A DEKALB COUNTY GEORGIA TEACHER DIES AFTER SAVING A 10-YEAR OLD GIRL FROM DROWNING AT MYRTLE BEACH

A DeKalb County teacher is being remembered as a hero after losing his life while helping rescue a 10-year-old girl caught in a rip current while visiting South Carolina.

Derrick Moore, 47, jumped into the water Friday evening after noticing 10-year-old Summer McCallum struggling in the waves. Moore, a teacher at Rockbridge Elementary School, rushed in to help as Summer and her uncle fought against the powerful current.

Summer recalled becoming frightened when the water became too deep and waves began crashing over her head.

“I was just scared, and then my feet couldn’t touch the ground,” Summer said. “The waves just kept going over my head.”

Summer’s uncle, Earnest, was standing on shore when he realized his niece was in trouble. He immediately entered the water and attempted to reach her as several Good Samaritans, including Moore, joined the rescue effort.

Summer said Moore eventually reached her and told her to grab his arm, but he began struggling against the current as well.

Other rescuers were ultimately able to bring Summer and her uncle safely back to shore. Tragically, Moore never made it back.

According to Myrtle Beach police, Moore was pulled underwater by the current. His body was recovered the following morning nearly a mile away from where he had entered the water.

Moore is being credited with helping save two lives through his actions.

“He saved my life because I didn’t have to go back out there, and certainly saved my niece’s life,” Earnest said. “He just became a hero to us all.”

Moore’s mother, Suzette, said she was devastated by the loss of her son but not surprised that he risked his own life to help someone else.

“I was not surprised. Not surprised at all that he would do that,” she said. “He is a selfless human being and a generous person. He will be sorely missed by the community and certainly by us as a family.”

Moore’s final act reflected the selflessness his family and community knew him for—putting the lives of others before his own.