“On April 24, 2025, Joshua lost his life at the age of 38, in his final heroic effort, saving the lives of his son and niece from a rip current,” his family wrote in a statement shared on a GoFundMe page created to support his surviving family. “It is with great pride and sadness that we say goodbye to a man that embodies what it means to be a soldier, father, husband and ultimately a hero.”

According to a police report cited by the Fernandina Observer, emergency responders were called to the scene after reports of swimmers in distress. When officers arrived, they were able to pull two children from the water. Curtis, however, was later found unresponsive in the ocean. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said it remains unclear whether Curtis was already in the water when the rip current struck or if he rushed in after realizing the children were in danger. What is clear, authorities noted, is that his actions directly contributed to saving their lives. The Fernandina Police Department has not released further details, and officials emphasized that the incident is still being reviewed.

Curtis was visiting Florida from Halifax, Massachusetts, where he lived with his wife and their 6-year-old son, Owen. Family members told CBS affiliate WBZ that what was meant to be time reconnecting with loved ones in his hometown ended in unimaginable loss.

Those who knew Curtis say his final moments reflected the values that defined his entire life. A U.S. Army veteran, Curtis served multiple deployments overseas and was awarded the Purple Heart for heroism, according to ABC affiliate WCVB. Friends and family describe him as someone who never hesitated to put others first — whether on the battlefield, at home, or in his community.

Beyond his military service, Curtis was deeply involved in youth sports and mentorship. He served as a coach for the Silver Lake Warriors, a Massachusetts-based youth football program where he was a respected leader and role model.

“His selfless actions were a reflection of the man he was — brave, loving, and devoted to those he cared about,” the organization wrote in a tribute shared on social media. “His passion, leadership, and kindness will be deeply missed on and off the field.”

The loss feels particularly cruel to those who watched Curtis pour his heart into coaching children — including his own son. Owen had just completed his first year of football, and Curtis was preparing to step into the role of head coach for the team’s Mighty Mites division in the upcoming season.

“He was so excited,” the Warriors wrote. “Not just to coach football, but to teach teamwork, discipline, and confidence. He believed in every kid.”

Friends describe Curtis as a natural protector — a man who lived by action rather than words. Whether in uniform overseas or standing on the sidelines of a football field, he was known for his calm presence, steady leadership, and fierce devotion to family.

Rip currents, like the one Curtis encountered, are among the most dangerous coastal hazards in Florida. Often difficult to spot, they can pull even strong swimmers away from shore in seconds. Beach safety officials regularly warn swimmers to stay calm, float, and signal for help rather than fighting the current — advice that becomes nearly impossible to follow when loved ones are in danger.

Curtis’ family hopes his story not only honors his sacrifice but also raises awareness about beach safety and the risks rip currents pose, particularly to children.

In the days since his death, an outpouring of grief and gratitude has flooded social media. Strangers, fellow veterans, parents, and former players have shared messages honoring Curtis as a true hero — not because of medals or titles, but because of the instinctive love that drove him into the water without hesitation.

“He gave everything for the people he loved,” one supporter wrote. “That’s the definition of a hero.”

As his family grapples with life after his sudden loss, they say they are holding onto the knowledge that Joshua Curtis died doing exactly what he had always done: protecting others.

“He lived with courage,” his family said. “And he left this world the same way.”