Connecticut Hero Dad Dies Saving Son From Florida Rip Current

This story follows a Connecticut family’s heartbreak after a Windsor Locks father, Jason Michael DeGray, died while trying to save his son from a rip current in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The article also mentions that Bryce, the boy, survived, while a bystander from Ohio drowned during the rescue attempt. Funeral plans are underway in Connecticut, and you can feel how one tragedy can ripple from the Sunshine State all the way back to communities up north.

A brave act off the coast of Cocoa Beach

In Cocoa Beach, a strong rip current made the surf dangerous as Jason DeGray rushed to help his 12-year-old son, Bryce, who was struggling in the waves. Jason managed to get Bryce to safety, but the current dragged him back out, and he didn’t survive.

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Ebony Mount, a 34-year-old Ohio man, also drowned while trying to help. Thankfully, Bryce didn’t need medical attention after the ordeal.

Family members called the moment “super-traumatic.” Meagan DeGray, Jason’s wife, remembered him as a hero and an “amazing dad and partner.”

Their oldest daughter, Bailey, is 16 and works as a lifeguard. A family friend also needed help getting out of the water after pitching in during the rescue. The tragedy has shaken the DeGray family and the Connecticut community they call home.

Jason DeGray: a hero from Windsor Locks and a devoted family man

Jason Michael DeGray, 42, of Windsor Locks, spent 25 years in the flooring industry. People knew him for his quiet generosity.

His family—Bailey, Bryce, and Brynn—meant everything to him. He didn’t even like the beach, but when it mattered, he ran straight into the surf to save his son. That’s the kind of father he was—kids first, always.

The DeGray family has received a flood of condolences from Connecticut neighbors who know the pain of losing someone to water accidents. Their roots in Connecticut run deep, and the funeral will be held at East Windsor Community Funeral Home in East Windsor.

Connecticut voices and a statewide sense of loss

The loss has echoed beyond Windsor Locks and East Windsor. People from all over Connecticut—Hartford, Newington—have talked about honoring brave acts like DeGray’s and the need for better water safety. It’s made parents think twice about beach and river trips this summer.

The tragedy has sparked more talk about rip currents and beach safety, especially in coastal towns like New Haven, Milford, and Bridgeport. Even inland towns—Windsor, Bristol, Bloomfield—are feeling the impact, with folks looking for ways to support grieving families and keep their own kids safe near the water.

Memorials, funeral plans, and community support across towns

Neighbors in Danbury and Stamford are organizing vigils and hours of reflection. Other towns are stepping up, too, hoping to honor DeGray’s memory in their own ways.

The following Connecticut communities have either expressed condolences or are putting together memorial efforts after this loss:

Windsor Locks — Folks here remember DeGray’s life as a father and local worker in the days ahead.
East Windsor — Site of the funeral service. Friends and family are gathering for a final farewell.
Hartford and Newington — State leaders and residents are sharing condolences and talking about water safety.
Manchester, Bloomfield, Windsor, and Bristol — These communities are honoring DeGray’s memory and supporting his family.
Waterbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich — Both coastal and inland towns are reflecting on rip current risks and the need for preparedness near water.
New Haven, Milford, and Danbury — Faith groups and civic organizations are planning vigils and charitable efforts in memory of a devoted father.

Jason DeGray’s story—he was a Windsor Locks father, now a symbol of courage—keeps unfolding. Connecticut towns, from Farmington to South Windsor and beyond, feel the loss and want to keep families safe, reminding everyone who heads to the beach about the power of water and, honestly, the strength of a parent’s love.

Here is the source article for this story: ‘Hero’ Conn. dad dies saving son from rip current in Florida

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