PINELLAS COUNTY – A father and daughter died on Sunday after a rip current strengthened at Pass-a-Grille beach.
According to deputies, on Sunday at approximately 6:43 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Pass-a-Grille Beach after reports of two subjects being swept offshore.
According to detectives, 42-year-old Michael Stephens was at Pass-a-Grille beach with his daughters, 10-year-old Isabella Stephens, 13-year-old Trinity Stephens, 20-year-old Brittany Stephens, and Brittany’s boyfriend, 20-year-old Jessie Johnson.
Detectives say Jessie, Brittany, Michael, and Isabella were all in the water when they noticed an outgoing rip current strengthen.
According to detectives, after assisting Brittany out of the water, Jessie returned to assist Michael and Isabella, but both were too far from shore, and the current had become too strong.
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During Jessie’s attempt to rescue Michael and Isabella, Trinity called 911 and passed the phone to a passerby.
At approximately 7:57 p.m., deputies assigned to the Flight Unit spotted Michael and Isabella about 1/2 mile off the coast. With assistance from the USCG and St. Pete Fire Rescue, deputies assigned to the Marine Unit were able to rescue both subjects.
Michael and Isabella were transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased.
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