Police have revealed that a father named Danny Summer and his six-year-old son Donovan tragically died only moments after the boy caught a fish from a Virginia river.
Around 5 pm on March 22, 37-year-old Danny Summer and his beloved son Donovan went on a father-son fishing trip at Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania, which is about 60 minutes off Richmond.
Danny’s wife, Madeline Summer, began to get worried after her family did not return home later that night, leading her to the sheriff’s office at 9:45 pm.
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She made attempts to call her husband during the day though, yet told Fox5 he often wouldn’t respond when he’s out fishing, adding that he wouldn’t pay attention to his phone.
‘When Danny’s out fishing, sometimes he may not hear his phone, you know, he’s very focused,’ Madeline told the outlet.
Cops with the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office took to the boat landing and then found the father’s car and cell phone on the dock of the river.
A dive team was quickly called upon, and after jumping into the water, they located Danny and Donovan’s bodies, saying there was no evidence of foul play.
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Initial investigation into their tragic deaths showed that Donovan, who also went by Don, ‘had just caught a fish’ prior to his fall off the dock and into the river.
According to reports, the father then jumped in after him to try to save his son, ‘yet tragically drowned himself and died,’ said the sheriff’s office.
‘What should have been a wonderful memory for a father and son turned into a tragedy,’ Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger L. Harris said.
Heartbreaking photos show the amazing bond the father and son had, and it is one that has left Madeline distraught.
In his community, Danny was known as a loving father and devoted husband, and ‘the guy to help without being asked,’ as per a GoFundMe page.
A friend of the family created the donation page to help Madeline and their other son during this difficult period as Danny ‘was the sole provider’ for the family-of-four as a teacher.
More than $44,000 was raised to help support the widow and their surviving child Danilo as of Thursday morning.
Danny Sumner is remembered as a standout basketball player, scoring 1,146 points for the William & Mary Tribe from 2007 to 2010.
He also played for Paul VI Catholic High School, where he graduated in 2006.
The school has honored him in a tribute post, and his son, Donovan, is remembered as a “kind and gentle spirit” who adored playing with his baby brother.
Reports indicate that recently, the little boy had learned to ride his bike without training wheels.
His mother, Madeline, shared a video of his accomplishment, telling Fox5, “My husband had been out every day with Donovan, practicing.” She added, “Donovan was following in his dad’s footsteps, being kind and gentle.”
Days after their tragic passing, Madeline posted an emotional tribute on Facebook, writing, “I will love and miss you, my loves, forever.” She described Danny’s final act of heroism, saying he sacrificed everything to save their son.
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A funeral service for the father and son who tragically died will be held on April 12 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Virginia, followed by a life celebration and burial.
