East Cobb Grad, 31, Dies Off Florida Beach Freeing Bird From Fishing Line

Stone Romberg, 31, grew up in metro Atlanta and graduated from George Walton Comprehensive High School in East Cobb County. He died on Sunday, leaving behind his wife, Taylor, and daughters Hadley, 3, and Lainey, 1.

Romberg was fishing near Carillon Beach in Laguna Beach, Florida, where he worked as a beach service manager. According to accounts from family, friends and members of the beach community, he spotted a seagull tangled in his fishing line and swam out to it. The bird and hook became caught on his hand. As he tried to swim back, the current carried him farther out, and he drowned.

A GoFundMe campaign was set up to cover medical and funeral costs. It had raised more than $91,000 at the time of the report dated Oct. 28, 2026.

Coworkers at Carillon Beach remembered Romberg for his kindness, warm smile and willingness to help. He followed SEC football and the Atlanta Braves.

His father, Gerry Romberg, coached football at The Westminster Schools for many years and now serves as football general manager at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta.