Dunwoody Man Dies After Saving 3 People From Florida Riptide

DUNWOODY, GA — Kim McGrady, 55, of Dunwoody, did a heroic act before he died last week: he saved three people from drowning in a dangerous riptide in Florida before he himself drowned.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office said there were multiple water rescues and more than a dozen people pulled from riptides April 8 at Miramar Beach, Florida, according to Northside Neighbor. In addition to McGrady, 21-year-old Layne Gravois of Gray, Louisiana died in the currents.

Authorities said water conditions that day were so dangerous that two red flags were raised and the beach closed to visitors. A single red flag indicates the water has an extreme threat to human life with high surf and strong rip currents.

"Know that just because we cannot keep you out of the Gulf during single red, does not mean you should be in it," Walton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "Mother nature can be very unforgiving."

McGrady was on a beach trip with his family when he heard people yelling from the water, according to McGrady's memorial page. McGrady was one of the first in the water "to try and save as many people as he could."

"During his life, Kim was humble and truly a man of integrity. He always put his family first and wanted to be the best man he could for them," his memorial page reads. "Even after his death he is helping others by donating his organs. Kim will be missed by all who knew him."

In lieu of flowers, McGrady's family is requesting donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can donate here.

Additionally, Chick-fil-A has established a GoFundMe campaign for McGrady to honor his memory and support his family. McGrady worked at Chick-fil-A prior to his death. As of 6:22 p.m. Monday, a total of $39,250 was raised out of the $250,000 goal.

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