Two parents, Brian Warter (51) and Erica Wishard (48), drowned on Hutchinson Island, Florida on June 20, 2024 while vacationing with their six teenage children. The tragic incident occurred at Stuart Beach when the couple and two of their teenagers were caught in a rip current.
According to reports from multiple sources, including the Martin County Sheriff's Office and local news outlets, Warter and Wishard were enjoying a day at the beach with their children when they got swept out to sea by the powerful current. The teens managed to escape but were unable to save their parents.
The couple was later found unconscious by ocean rescue crews who began CPR on shore before transporting them to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Rip currents are strong, narrow currents that move away from the shore and out to sea at high speed, occurring at any beach that has breaking waves. The couple's tragic death serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by rip currents and the importance of being aware of water conditions before entering the ocean.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office advised anyone planning to visit Hutchinson Island or other beaches in the area to familiarize themselves with rip current safety tips, including swimming only at guarded beaches, staying calm if caught in a rip current, and avoiding swimming during red flag warnings.
The sheriff's office also urged anyone who may have been at Stuart Beach on June 20 and witnessed the incident to contact them with any information that could help in the investigation.
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Brian Warter and Erica Wishard during this difficult time.
