22-Year-Old Becomes Sole Caregiver for Grandmother and Brother After Parents Drown in Riptide
Authorities said that a bystander borrowed a boogie board and was able to get her brother to shore, saving his life
However, despite "extensive lifesaving measures" authorities were not able to save Peter and Sonia NguyenA 22-year-old college student in Georgia is now the primary caregiver for her brother and grandmother after her parents drowned in a riptide.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a 57-year-old man and his 54-year-old wife — later identified by authorities as Peter and Sonia Nguyen — drowned near a resort in Destin, Fla., last month. They were both residents of Buford, Ga.
'Beach safety personnel pulled the mother out of the water while Destin Beach Safety and an OCSO Marine Unit located the father," authorities said in a statement. "Intense and extensive lifesaving measures were performed on both but were unsuccessful."
'Witnesses say the couple and their son were spotted struggling in the Gulf about 75 to 100 yards offshore,' officials continued. 'A bystander borrowed a boogie board and went out to try to rescue them. He was able to get the 26-year-old son to shore, and his actions saved the young man's life.'
According to the sheriff's office, yellow flags were flying on the beach at the time of the incident, indicating moderate surf or currents.
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Now, their daughter Sara is left to care for her grandma and brother, who "requires a high level of care and attention to meet his lifelong needs" due to a "medical condition sustained at birth," according to a GoFundMe set up to support her.
In addition to caring for her family members, who both lived with her parents, Sara is also "responsible for managing the household, covering funeral expenses, and continuing her full-time college education."
"Sara's faith is a source of strength during this time," the organizer continued, thanking everybody who chose to support the student "during this time of profound need."
As of Thursday, June 12, over $58,000 has been raised for Sara.
PEOPLE has reached out to the GoFundMe organizer for additional comment.
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