A Virginia father and his young son tragically drowned during a fishing trip last month, with authorities revealing the heartbreaking incident was captured on the father’s cellphone. Danny Sumner, 37, and his son Donovan were at a boat landing on the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County on the evening of March 22 when the accident occurred.
According to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, Sumner and his son had gone fishing around 5 p.m. When they failed to return home, Danny’s wife, Madeline, contacted authorities at 9:45 p.m. A search team was dispatched, and divers later recovered both bodies from the river.
More: 14-Year-Old ‘Endangered’ Girl Still Missing After Friend Found Safe
More: Dad Allegedly Runs Over & Kills Son While ‘Mudding’ in Texas
Major Elizabeth Scott of the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office told PEOPLE that family members and their pastor had gone to the scene to search before calling police. The pastor discovered Danny’s phone, which contained a final video of the moments leading up to the tragedy.
“He was celebrating, Mr. Sumner was videoing this on his cellphone,” Scott said. “When the child stepped back and fell into the river, the cellphone was seen. It dropped to the dock and ultimately Mr. Sumner went in after his son and, unfortunately, both drowned.”
Authorities confirmed no foul play was involved, though the medical examiner’s final report is still pending. The devastating loss has left family and friends grieving the pair, who were described as inseparable. A GoFundMe page set up for Madeline and their younger son, Danilo, highlighted Danny’s generosity and deep faith.
“A devout Christian, he exemplified how to live a Godly lifestyle no matter the setting,” the fundraiser read. Donovan, remembered as a “kind and gentle spirit,” had recently learned to ride a bike without training wheels and loved playing with his baby brother.
More: Mom Allegedly Discovers Babysitter Stabbed 3-Year-Old to Death and Left Blood-Soaked Note Behind
More: Florida 5-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Dies After Drinking Meth-Laced Apple Juice
Tributes poured in from Danny’s alma maters, including Paul VI Catholic High School and William & Mary College, where he was remembered as a humble and inspiring presence. A former classmate shared on Facebook, “I’ll never forget his humility, considerate nature, and his ability to make us all cheer with genuine pride.”
The father and son’s joint obituary honored their bond, stating, “their souls departed this world, together, as the Lord called them both home.” A memorial service was held to celebrate their lives, leaving a community in mourning but uplifted by the legacy of kindness they left behind.
READ NEXT:
- Martha Stewart Shocks Kelly Clarkson Show, Revealing She Has Never Ordered Takeout
- Russian Media Reportedly Censors Trump After He Urges Putin to Stop Attacks
- Chaos Erupts on ‘The View’ as Christie Brinkley Sparks Wild Sing-Along Moment
- Meghan Markle moves to tears in new bombshell interview on Kate and William’s big day
- Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Boyfriend Sparks Outrage After Admitting to Softballing Trump Questions