Chase Childers GoFundMe raises over $83,000 for wife Nataley and children following tragic drowning accident

In the aftermath of the tragic loss, a GoFundMe campaign established to benefit the family of Chase Childers has already collected over $83,000. The 38-year-old former pro baseball player and police officer was swept to his death on Sunday, July 13, while trying to save a family struggling against a water current near Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

Childers was vacationing with his wife Nataley and three children when the incident took place. According to the Pawleys Island Police Department, Childers and another bystander went into the water to help four or five swimmers who were struggling in a rip current.

The other swimmers made it back to the shore whereas Childers was dragged down by the rip tide and was not able to be rescued. The Coast Guard found his body about 90 minutes later.

"The victim, Chase Childers, and another person entered the water to help 4-5 individuals who were in distress. Sadly, Mr. Childers was caught in the rip current, as well. He died trying to save others." The Pawleys Island Police Department wrote on X.

Anderson “Chase” Childers, 38, was a husband, father of three, and former police officer. Live report: https://t.co/bl4NeMQzdW pic.twitter.com/FvTgnjBPOV

— KTLA (@KTLA) July 16, 2025

The loss of Chase Childers has rocked the community and others across the country, who remembered Childers in tributes of their own. Childers’ wife, Nataley, and their three kids, Barrett, Brooks, and Bella, supposedly witnessed their dad’s heroic last deeds in person.

Friends and family praised Childers' selflessness and said that he was a devoted husband and father, who had spent his life serving others.

"Chase was a truly selfless individual, always prioritizing the safety of others above his own... To his family and all who knew him, he will forever be remembered as a hero," his family told News 2 in a statement.

More about the GoFundMe campaign established to support Chase Childers' family

A GoFundMe has been established by family friend Jordan Wicker, of which 100% of proceeds will go to Nataley Childers and her children in efforts to help them in this time of need.

The fundraiser has accumulated money worth tens of thousands of dollars from hundreds of well-wishers touched by Childers, and as of 17 July, 2025 the donations have exceeded $92,000. The money will help Nataley and the children while they grieve and adjust to a life without him.

"These funds will go to support Nataley and their sweet children as they try to heal from the painful loss of Chase, who was tragically taken from this world far too soon and will always be remembered as a Hero." The campaign bio read.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Nataley Childers (@nataleychilders)

Chase Childers had played minor league baseball in the Baltimore Orioles farm system, from 2009 to 2010 before he decided to follow a path into law enforcement. While working as a police officer in Cobb County, he received several accolades for saving lives (People).

As tributes poured in, the Pawleys Island mayor and law enforcement officials are urging beachgoers to be aware of the danger of rip currents and have said that they plan to step up safety measures.